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Prolactin and sexual dysfunction in women.
J P Reiss1, T W Gupton, C Faiman
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy
|January 1, 1989
Summary
This study found no significant difference in serum prolactin levels between sexually dysfunctional women and a control group. However, testing for hyperprolactinemia is still recommended for women with sexual dysfunction, especially those with reproductive issues.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia, a condition of elevated serum prolactin, can impact sexual function.
- Understanding the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in women with sexual dysfunction is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum prolactin levels in women with sexual dysfunction to a control group.
- To determine the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in sexually dysfunctional women.
Main Methods:
- Serum prolactin levels were measured in 48 women presenting with sexual dysfunction.
- A control group of 93 healthy women (blood donors) was used for comparison.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare prevalence and mean levels between groups.
Main Results:
- One woman (2.1%) in the study group had hyperprolactinemia (serum prolactin > 15 µg/L).
- No statistically significant differences were found in hyperprolactinemia prevalence or mean prolactin levels between the study and control groups.
- No significant differences were observed among subgroups based on diagnostic categories or number of diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- While not statistically significant in this cohort, hyperprolactinemia is a treatable condition.
- Prolactin level determination is recommended for sexually dysfunctional women, particularly those with reproductive irregularities or suspected organic causes.
- Further research may be warranted to explore the nuanced relationship between prolactin levels and specific types of sexual dysfunction.