Role of C-Reactive Protein as an Inflammation Biomarker in Women of Reproductive-Age : Literature Review

Neshya Ruriana Putri, Maulana Hasymi Hutabarat, I Made Arya Subadiyasa

Abstract


C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-known acute phase inflammatory biomarker that can rise dramatically in response to inflammation. In reproductive-age women, several estrogen-related conditions are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, wherein CRP may serve as a useful marker. This literature review focuses on the role of CRP in conditions influenced by estrogen – notably polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with an emphasis on findings from the last 10 years and data pertinent to Indonesian women. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted for 2015–2025 studies on CRP in these conditions. Key findings include evidence of moderately elevated CRP levels in women with PCOS (even after controlling for obesity), Additionally, normal menstrual cycle variations and premenstrual syndromes have been linked to fluctuations in CRP. These findings underscore CRP’s potential as a non-specific marker of inflammation in estrogen-related gynecologic conditions. However, the utility of CRP for diagnosis or prognosis in these conditions is limited by its lack of specificity. Further research, particularly in Indonesian populations, is needed to clarify CRP’s clinical value in managing estrogen-related disorders.

Keywords


CRP, inflammation, reproductive-age women, PCOS, cardiovascular risk

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References


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