Investigating the association between hyperprolactinemia and thyroid autoimmunity in women

Abstract

Aims: Hyperprolactinemia (HPRL), a condition characterized by elevated levels of prolactin (PRL) hormone, is considered to be related to various autoimmune diseases, such as thyroid autoimmunity (TAI). The association between HPRL and TAI still evokes controversy. Our study intends to examine the possible relationship between HPL and TAI in young women. Methods: This retrospective study was done between January 2018 and December 2022, including 90 women with HPRL and 90 control subjects of similar age and gender. A retrospective examination was conducted on the medical records of 90 patients with HPRL to gather relevant data. Information regarding related parameters was analyzed and compared to the control group data. Results: Our results found that thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were notably elevated in patients with HPRL compared to healthy women (2.24 vs. 1.86). Also, a statistically significant association between the case and control regarding serum free triiodothyronine (fT3) (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the case and control regarding serum free thyroxin (fT4) (p>0.05). Patients with HPRL demonstrated considerably higher anti thyroperoxidase antibody (anti-TPO) levels (46.08 vs. 43.95). Significantly elevated antithyroglobulin antibody (anti-Tg) levels were observed in patients with HPRL (1.07 vs. 0.84). Conclusion: The study suggests a potential link between HPRL and TAI. Further research is needed to explore this relationship and its implications for patient care.