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.