Is hsCRP useful for fertility?

The question of whether hsCRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) is useful for fertility requires a nuanced answer. hsCRP is a well-established marker of low-grade systemic inflammation. Observational studies suggest that elevated hsCRP levels may be associated with reduced fertility, for example in women with PCOS, endometriosis, or general chronic inflammatory states that can impair implantation or oocyte quality. However, hsCRP is not a specific fertility marker; the evidence is largely associative and not causal. Randomized controlled trials demonstrating that lowering hsCRP improves fertility are lacking. Moreover, many factors influence hsCRP (infections, lifestyle, obesity), complicating interpretation. In clinical practice, hsCRP is not routinely used for fertility diagnostics. It may be useful as part of a general health assessment to identify inflammatory processes that could affect fertility. The evidence is moderate, based on human observational studies. Caution is warranted against marketing overclaims that present hsCRP as a standalone fertility indicator.