Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
07:43
Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas
Published on: January 17, 2018
Hyperprolactinemia in association with subclinical hypothyroidism.
Adele Bahar1, Ozra Akha, Zahra Kashi
1Department of Internal Medicine, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical, Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine
|September 12, 2013
Summary
Hyperprolactinemia, a common endocrine disorder, affects 20.4% of subclinical hypothyroidism patients. This condition is significantly more prevalent in women with subclinical hypothyroidism compared to men.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia is a frequent endocrine disorder of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis.
- Elevated prolactin levels are observed in patients with overt primary hypothyroidism.
- The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in subclinical hypothyroidism requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
- To assess the correlation between hyperprolactinemia and clinical symptoms in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 481 patients diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Prolactin levels were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay.
- Data on patient demographics and clinical symptoms were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in subclinical hypothyroidism was 20.4%.
- Hyperprolactinemia was significantly more common in women (22%) than in men (11%) (p=0.05).
- No significant correlation was found between serum TSH levels and prolactin levels, nor between hyperprolactinemia and clinical symptom prevalence.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in subclinical hypothyroidism is notable.
- Hyperprolactinemia is more common in female patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the clinical implications of hyperprolactinemia in subclinical hypothyroidism.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...