Sub-clinical hypothyroidism and hyperprolactinemia in infertile women: Bangladesh perspective after universal salt iodination

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is an accepted cause of infertility and habitual abortion. We therefore evaluated the status of thyroid function and related hormones in infertile women in Bangladesh. Methods: Serum thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin was measured in 113 infertile women during their first visit for infertility evaluation. Results: Prevalence of sub-clinical hypothyroidism was 6.5% and 15%, and prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was 43% and 21% in primary and secondary infertility respectively. Mean TSH level was higher in secondary infertility (3.6 +/- 3.7mIU/L) than primary infertility (2.3 +/2.7mIU/L), though the difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.11). Mean prolactin level in primary infertility (495 +/-340nmol/L) was higher than secondary infertility (340 +/- 310nmol/L), showing a significant statistical difference (p<.05). Conclusion: Prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was higher in primary infertility and prevalence of sub-clinical hypothyroidism was higher in secondary infertility, showing no correlation between TSH and prolactin levels in these two groups.