The dangers of functional hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia refers to a syndrome caused by internal and external environmental factors, characterized by elevated prolactin (PRL) (>25ng/ml), amenorrhea, galactorrhea, anovulation and infertility. From the perspective of pathological changes, it can be divided into tumor hyperprolactinemia, postpartum hyperprolactinemia, idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, iatrogenic hyperprolactinemia, and functional hyperprolactinemia. Functional hyperprolactinemia is a more serious condition, so what are the hazards?

The dangers of functional hyperprolactinemia

1. Leading to oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea in women: Initial menstruation may be normal, but gradually changes to oligomenorrhea and even amenorrhea. The characteristics of amenorrhea are low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, disappearance of normal fluctuations, and anovulation. Estrogen cannot cause positive feedback, no LH peak occurs, and no response to clomiphene.

2. Leading to female infertility: high prolactin acts on the pituitary gland to inhibit the secretion of FSH and LH. FSH is insufficient to mature the follicles. LH is insufficient and the LH peak cannot occur, so ovulation does not occur, leading to infertility. When the prolactin concentration in the blood increases, the prolactin level in the follicular fluid also increases. The estrogen level decreases, and the granulosa cells are significantly reduced, and the secretion of progesterone is reduced, causing luteal insufficiency, resulting in infertility or early pregnancy miscarriage.