Hyperprolactinemia in Women

Abstract

Hyperprolactinemia is a common cause for menstrual irregularities and infertility and a diagnostic workup should therefore be initiated. The leading symptom is galactorrhea. Hyperprolactinemia may occur idiopathically, during pregnancy, lactation, stress, physical activity, or sleep. Pathological causes include hypothyroidism, liver and kidney insufficiency, the use of certain medications, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chest wall injuries, and pituitary adenomas. In the latter situation, excessively elevated prolactin levels can be detected, and an MRI should be performed. In most cases, therapy with dopamine agonists is possible. This review deals with the different aspects of hyperprolactinemia in the gynecological setting.