Hyperprolactinemia--a significant factor in female infertility

A prospective study was undertaken to determine the incidence of hyperprolactinemia in a group of referred infertile women, and to determine the association with (a) abnormal menstrual function and (b) presence or absence of galactorrhea. Of 113 referred infertile patients, 22 (19.5%) had elevated levels of serum prolactin. Five (4.4%) patients with hyperprolactinemia had neither abnormal menstrual function nor galactorrhea. This study demonstrates that hyperprolactinemia is a common finding in an infertile population, more so when galactorrhea and/or menstrual dysfunction is also present.