Prolactin levels among women attending infertility clinics

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate serum prolactin levels among women attending infertility clinics in Uyo, compare these levels with those of fertile women, and assess possible associations with bio-social factors. Material and Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study included 140 consenting women attending infertility clinics in two hospitals in Uyo and 140 fertile women with similar ages and socioeconomic characteristics consecutively recruited from the family planning clinics as controls over 4 months. Their median serum prolactin levels were compared, and data were collected through pretested, self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 15, and results were presented in tables and figures, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Hyperprolactinemia was detected in 44 (31.4%) infertile women, compared to 7 (5.0%) in the control group. The median prolactin level in infertile women (14.6 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in fertile controls (6.4 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Multivariate binary logistic regression identified infertility (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.13–22.60, P = 0.001) and the presence of galactorrhea (AOR 5.17, 95% CI: 2.34–11.43, P < 0.001) as significant predictors of hyperprolactinemia. Conclusion: The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was significantly higher among infertile women than their fertile counterparts. Galactorrhea emerged as a key clinical predictor of hyperprolactinemia in this population. Routine serum prolactin assessment should be considered a fundamental part of infertility evaluation. In resource-limited settings where prolactin assays may be unavailable, the presence of galactorrhea could serve as an important clinical indicator of hyperprolactinemia.