Results of long observation of patients with moderate hyperprolactinemia

Effect of long (2-15 years) hyperprolactinemia (up to 100 ng/ml) on the reproductive status was studied in 40 female patients with pituitary microadenomas and 40 patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. Adenopituitary status and efficiency of dopamine agonists were evaluated. Clinical manifestations of the disease did not deteriorate, prolactin level did not notably increase and (or) there were no negative changes in the sella turcica status during long observation. Patients with moderate hyperprolactinemia were less sensitive to dopaminomimetics in comparison with patients with hyperprolactinemia of more than 100 ng/ml, irrespective of pituitary microadenoma. On the other hand, in about half of all patients (irrespective of pituitary microadenoma) the menstrual cycle and fertility spontaneously recovered without drug therapy. Therapy with dopamine agonists is indicated for patients with moderate hyperprolactinemia with amenorrhea and/or sterility. Other patients with this condition should be regularly examined.