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Prolactin and reproductive medicine
1Department of Endocrinology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK. julian.davis@man.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology
|July 3, 2004
Summary
Dopamine agonist drugs effectively treat hyperprolactinaemia and pituitary prolactinomas, often enabling long-term remission and drug withdrawal in patients. This approach helps most women with hyperprolactinaemia achieve pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Prolactin is a key hormone with significant reproductive functions.
- Hyperprolactinaemia, elevated prolactin levels, can cause reproductive issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on prolactin.
- To summarize recent advancements in managing hyperprolactinaemia.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on prolactin-receptor-deficient mice.
- Analysis of clinical data on dopamine agonist treatment for hyperprolactinaemia and prolactinomas.
Main Results:
- Prolactin-receptor deficiency in mice demonstrates its crucial role in reproduction.
- Dopamine agonists effectively shrink pituitary prolactinomas and manage hyperprolactinaemia.
- Cabergoline treatment shows potential for long-term remission, allowing drug discontinuation in some patients.
Conclusions:
- Dopamine agonists are the primary treatment for hyperprolactinaemia, aiding fertility.
- Further research may elucidate mechanisms behind long-term remission in prolactinoma patients.