Evaluating the TRH Test: Prolactin Cutoff Level on the Prevalence of Reactive Hyperprolactinemia Among PCOS Women [ID 2683598

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The prolactin cutoff value is currently under discussion, although accepted values range between 15 and 25 ng/mL. The thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) test is a validated methodology for the study of reactive hyperprolactinemia, but there is no consensus for which group of patients it should be used, especially in those women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective of this study was to classify the prolactin values obtained from the TRH test in women of reproductive age but previously diagnosed with PCOS, according to ranges: group A: PRL, less than 15 ng/mL; group B: PRL, 15–20 ng/mL; and group C: PRL, 20–25 ng/mL. METHODS: Three hundred seventy-eight women between 12 and 40 years old, previously diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria, and without a diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia or use of antipsychotics were considered. An initial prolactin measurement was performed, the TRH test was performed after 15 and 30 minutes, and the resulting values were classified in groups A, B, and C, respectively. RESULTS: The number of patients obtained was 266. Group A (n=199) had 34.17% (68) of patients with an altered TRH test, whereas in group B (n=42) 47.62% (20) had an abnormality in the test. Finally, in group C (n=25), 28.00% (7) showed an altered TRH test. CONCLUSION: Group B is the one with the highest prevalence of reactive hyperprolactinemia compared to groups A and C. It is concluded that the application of the TRH test is suggested in those patients with PCOS with prolactin ranges between 15 and 20 ng/mL.