SERUM PROLACTIN LEVELS IN POSTPILL AMENORRHEIC PATIENTS

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we evaluated the importance of the determin ation of serum prolactin levels in postpill amenorrheic patients. METH ODS: Serum estradiol and prolactin levels were determined in 37 postpi ll amenorrheic patients. Bromocriptine was administered to the hyperpr olactinemic group and clomiphene citrate to the normoprolactinemic gro up. RESULTS: Hyperprolactinemia was observed in 21 patients (56.7%) an d serum estradiol levels < 50 pg/ml were found in 19 of these patients . The mean prolactin level was 71.90 +/- 23.05 ng/ml in the hyperprola ctinemic group. While bromocriptine had a significant effect on the le ngth of time for menstrual bleeding to return (P < 0.001), clomifene h ad no effect. CONCLUSIONS: No treatment is required for the postpill a menorrheic patients with normal estradiol and prolactin levels. If hyp erprolactinemia is detected, bromocriptine may be used as a treatment to promote normal menstrual bleeding and ovulation.