Is it necessary to obtain serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone and prolactin in asymptomatic women with infertility?
BACKGROUND
Most obstetricians and gynecologists order serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin (PRL) in every female patient undergoing an infertility evaluation (regardless of their menstrual rhythm).


METHODS
Patients were recruited from the clinical practice of the named authors in a prospective manner. Serum TSH and PRL were ordered at the time of the couple's initial consult.


RESULTS
2.48% of patients (21 out of 846 patients) had abnormal levels of TSH, and 1.77% (15 of 844 patients) had elevated levels of PRL.


CONCLUSIONS
The practice of routinely ordering serum levels of TSH and PRL in infertility patients having normal periods is questioned.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000097:blood*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood*
D011388:Prolactin; D013972:Thyrotropin