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Hyperprolactinaemia and female reproductive function: what does the evidence say?
Author(s) -
Hamoda Haitham,
Khalaf Yakoub,
Carroll Paul
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-4667.2012.00093.x
Subject(s) - hyperprolactinaemia , cabergoline , bromocriptine , pregnancy , infertility , medicine , fertility , ovulation , gynecology , prolactin , obstetrics , psychology , biology , population , hormone , environmental health , genetics
Key content Raised levels of prolactin are common and can result in the inhibition of ovulation and infertility. This review summarises the published evidence on the association between hyperprolactinaemia and fertility in women. The evidence on the assessment and treatment of the subfertile woman with clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperprolactinaemia is discussed. The management of hyperprolactinaemia in pregnancy is discussed.Learning objectives To understand the effect of prolactin on ovulation and female reproductive function. To be able to carry out an initial assessment of the infertile woman presenting with hyperprolactinaemia. To understand the management of hyperprolactinaemia in pregnancy.Ethical issues Whether hyperprolactinaemia in the presence of ovulation in the subfertile woman should be treated is debatable. There are safety issues regarding the use of dopamine agonists (bromocriptine, cabergoline and quinagolide) in pregnancy.