title: Long-term treatment of galactorrhoea and hypogonadism with bromocriptine.
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.
mesh_terms: D001966:Bromine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002996:Clomiphene; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000139:chemically induced; D004876:Ergot Alkaloids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007775:Lactation Disorders / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009325:Nausea / Q000139:chemically induced; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000097:blood; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004876:Ergot Alkaloids; D002996:Clomiphene; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D001966:Bromine