[Prolaction level in the serum of patients with disorders of spermatogenesis]

In 183 out patients of our department FSH, LH, prolactin and testosterone were measured in one single serum sample. In 43 of these, measurements were done prior and 30 min after injection of LH-RH and TRH. An analysis of the ejaculate was performed in each case. If prolactin levels are grouped according to sperm count or testosterone levels, means of prolactin do not differ significantly between these groups. Some individual levels exceed the normal range. The TRN stimulated prolactin levels are lowered when related to high testosterone levels. Significantly statistical correlations do not exist. Mean FSH levels show a clear depression related to high sperm counts and high testosterone levels. A significantly statistical correlation is found between FSH, LH and prolactin levels each. Determination of prolactin in patients with fertility disturbances may be helpful to detect a hyperprolactinemia, which possibly causes inhibition of the spermatognesis.