Comparison of Prolactin and Fasting Blood Sugar Levels in Infertile Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder linked to anovulation and metabolic dysfunction. This case-control study compared serum prolactin and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels between 110 PCOS patients (Rotterdam criteria) and 110 non-PCOS controls at Moloud Infertility Center, Iran (2022–2024). Demographic, clinical (hirsutism, galactorrhea), and biochemical (prolactin, FBG, HOMA-IR) data were analyzed. Results indicated no significant differences in age, BMI, or FBG between groups (P > 0.05). However, PCOS patients exhibited higher prolactin levels (37.47 ± 66.89 vs. 21.94 ± 38.36 ng/mL; P < 0.001), hirsutism (98.2% vs. 0%), and galactorrhea (31.8% vs. 0.9%) (P < 0.001). Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥2.5) was more prevalent in PCOS (62% vs. 28%; P < 0.001). Prolactin correlated with hirsutism (r = 0.42, P < 0.001) but not HOMA-IR (P = 0.18). These findings suggest prolactin may contribute to PCOS pathophysiology independent of glucose metabolism, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. The absence of FBG differences underscores the need for sensitive metabolic screening (e.g., OGTT) in PCOS.