Evaluation of Serum Prolactin Levels in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with a prevalence of 10%, is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Although the main cause of PCOS has not been identified yet, abnormal serum levels of some hormones such as increased luteinizing hormone (LH) to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, and free and total testosterone are suggested. Prolactin is one of the PCOS interventional hormones. The aim of this study was to measure prolactin serum levels in patients with PCOS. This descriptive analytical study was performed on PCOS patients who referred to Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic (Isfahan, Iran) during 2011. Prolactin serum levels were measured in these patients and the data was analyzed by SPSS. The mean prolactin serum level was 18.56 ± 11.53 ng/l (range: 18.56-69.81 ng/l). It was significantly different from the normal level. One sample t-test showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01) between prolactin levels of the patients and the normal value (25 ng/ ml). Despite our results, the relation between PCOS and serum prolactin level would still need to be further investigated.