Prevalence and Patterns of Hormonal Dysregulation among Infertile Women Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a major reproductive health concern affecting women worldwide, with hormonal abnormalities representing one of the leading causes of impaired reproductive function. Endocrine disturbances involving gonadotropins, thyroid hormones, and other reproductive hormones can disrupt ovulation and menstrual regularity, thereby contributing to infertility. Objective: To assess the prevalence and patterns of hormonal dysregulation among infertile women and to examine the association between hormonal abnormalities and infertility characteristics. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 infertile women attending the gynecology and infertility outpatient departments of Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected using a structured data collection form. Hormonal parameters including follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, while inferential analysis using chi-square testing examined associations between hormonal abnormalities and infertility type. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Primary infertility accounted for 58.0% of cases, while secondary infertility was observed in 42.0% of participants. Abnormal luteinizing hormone levels were detected in 32.3% of women, followed by abnormal estradiol levels in 25.8% and abnormal follicle-stimulating hormone levels in 21.0%. The mean LH/FSH ratio was 1.8. No statistically significant association was found between overall hormonal imbalance and infertility type (p = 0.62). Conclusion: Hormonal abnormalities, particularly elevated luteinizing hormone levels and altered gonadotropin ratios, are common among infertile women. Comprehensive hormonal evaluation may assist in identifying endocrine causes of infertility and guide appropriate clinical management.