[Hyperprolactinemia and disorders of the menstrual cycle]

The authors presented physiological conditions associated with increased prolactin values (sleep, stress, hypoglycemia, nipples stimulation, pregnancy and lactation) as well as the causes of pathological hyperprolactinemia.

The results of radioimmunoassay study have been analyzed in concern to the values of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) obtained from the serum of 100 women with increased PRL levels. The "HOECHT" sets were used for the analysis, whereas the values up to 20.9 microgrammes per litre were rated normal. The patients were distributed into 4 groups in concern to the level of PRL increase: 1st group--twenty (n = 20) patients with PRL values from 21-29.9 micrograms/l, 90 blood samples analyzed; 2nd group-forty (n = 40) patients with PRL values f; 30-49.9 micrograms/l, 183 blood samples analyzed; 3rd group--twenty (n = 20) patients with PRL values from 50-99.9 micrograms/l, 83 blood samples analyzed; 4th group--twenty patients (n = 20) with PRL values more than 100 micrograms/l, 78 blood samples analyzed. The values of FSH and LH recorded in the women with hyperprolactinemia were compared with mean values of the same hormones presented in IU/l from the follicular phase of the cycle in the control group which comprised 50 women of reproductive age having normal ovulatory menstrual cycle.

The mean values of FSH and LH in the 1st group have not presented with statistically significant difference in relation to the control group. Prevalence of menstrual disorders was 30%, which was statistically significantly higher than in general population. FSH values in the 2nd group were almost the same as in the control group whereas the values of LH were significantly higher. The rate of polycistic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in this group has been significant, also the increased rate of anovulatory cycles from 30 to 67.5%. A mild increase of menstrual cycle rhythm disorders, from 35 to 40% has been recorded. The values of FSH and LH in the 3rd group were significantly lower than in the control group. The significance level was higher for FSH (p < 0.01) then LH (p < 0.05). There was a sudden increase of the cycle rhythm disorders in this group reaching 90%. The 4th group presented with significantly lower values of FSH and LH in relation to the control group, whereas the cycle rhythm disorders occurred in all patients.

The obtained results were compared with the literature data and some explanations given.

The values of FSH an LH were statistically significantly lower in the 3rd and 4th group. The 2nd group was characteristic for the sudden increase of the number of anovulatory cycles from 30 to 67.5%, whereas the 3rd group presented with the abrupt increase of menstrual cycle rhythm disorders, from 40 to 90%.