Long-term Treatment of Galactorrhoea and Hypogonadism with Bromocriptine
Br Med J 1974; 2 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.2.5916.419 (Published 25 May 1974) Cite this as: Br Med J 1974;2:419- M. O. Thorner,
- A. S. McNeilly,
- C. Hagan,
- G. M. Besser
Abstract
Seventeen women and four men with galactorrhoea and associated hypogonadism have been treated with bromocriptine for 2 to 28 months. In 18 patients the gonadal status became normal as the galactorrhoea improved. The gonadally unresponsive patients had either pituitary tumours or premature menopause. Prolactin levels fell with treatment; withdrawal of the drug was associated with an increase in serum prolactin and a recurrence of the galactorrhoea and hypogonadism. Two patients tried to become pregnant on treatment and both succeeded. Raised prolactin levels appear to block the actions of the gonadotrophins at a gonadal level rather than prevent their synthesis or release; lowering prolactin secretion with bromocriptine allows resumption of normal gonadal function. Bromocriptine appears to be the treatment of choice for inappropriate lactation in association with hypogonadism on a long-term basis.