Treatment of Amenorrhoea, Galactorrhoea and Hypogonadism with Bromocriptine*

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of bromocriptine administration was studied in 34 patients, whose presenting symptoms included amenorrhea, galactorrhea, infertility, dyspareunia, delayed puberty and impotence. Two patients had raised plasma prolactin values during investigation of acromegaly. With the exception of 3 individuals all patients had hyperprolactinemia. Pituitary fossa enlargement or asymmetry was reported in 16 patients and 1 patient had primary hypothyroidism. Virtually all patients complained of side effects when first starting bromocriptine but only 2 patients were unable to tolerate prolonged therapy with doses which ranged from 5-40 mg daily. A single oral dose of 2.5 mg resulted in a greater than 50% reduction in plasma prolactin within 5 h in 22 of 26 patients. Over the course of 1 mo., 5 patients with significant pituitary fossa enlargement appeared to show less rapid suppression of plasma prolactin than 5 patients without fossa enlargement. At 2 mo. this trend was still evident but eventually all patients showed acceptable control of plasma prolactin with the exception of 1 patient who required pituitary surgery. Galactorrhea ceased in 13 of 15 patients, menstrual periods resumed in 10 of 13 patients, 2 patients becoming pregnant first. Potency returned and puberty proceeded in 2 hypogonadal males. Six of the 9 patients requesting treatment for infertility became pregnant. Apparently, bromocriptine provides effective treatment for galactorrhea, amenorrhea or gonadal disorders when there is associated hyperprolactinemia.