Ovarian function in female patients with multibacillary leprosy.

Eighty six adult female patients with multibacillary leprosy were included to study the sex hormone profile LH, FSH, and prolactin, as well as their gynecological events like menstrual function and fertility status. A third of the patients gave a history of irregularity of periods. The mean levels of LH and FSH were significantly higher in patients with multibacilary leprosy vis-à-vis the controls. Of the 24 married women with irregularity of periods, 12 (50%) were infertile. Seven of these patients had elevated levels of FSH and LH, almost reaching castration levels.