Fertility and pregnancy after operation for a prolactinoma

Pituitary exploration was performed in 40 women with hyperprolactinaemic infertility and a prolactinoma was found in 37. After operation 26 (65%) of the 40 patients had a normal serum prolactin concentration; 31 women have so far had 49 pregnancies; in seven of these patients bromocriptine therapy was used after surgery. Eight of the remaining nine women were shown to be ovulating, but four of these subsequently decided not to attempt a pregnancy. The course and outcome of the 49 pregnancies were similar to those in normal women and no visual or endocrine complications occurred. Surgical removal of a prolactinoma often restores fertility, and may secure a safer pregnancy.