A study of the clinical differences between women and men with hyperprolactinemia

A group of 64 women and 14 men with hyperprolactinemia were followed up in an endocrine service center for a mean of 43 months. The various parameters in each sex were compared. The mean age at first visit was 49 years in the men and 36 years in the women (p < 0.001). The peak prolactin index levels were 13.7 in the men and 5.5 in the women (p < 0.002). Macroprolactinomas were significantly more prevalent in the men (p < 0.002). The women complained significantly more about headache (p < 0.02), malaise (p < 0.02), restlessness (p < 0.03) and fatigue (p < 0.04). These symptoms had no correlation with the prolactin level. Thus, in the men the clinical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia came to attention at an older age and had a connection with a higher prevalence of macroprolactinoma. The possible mechanisms are discussed. Vague complaints, reported more often by the women, do not seem to correlate with the prolactin level.