Skip to content

Review, 1982

Can bromocriptine treat PMS and infertility caused by high prolactin?

Yes, bromocriptine restores normal prolactin and brings back periods and fertility in most cases of high prolactin, and can also treat premenstrual syndrome. No birth defects have been reported from bromocriptine use.

Early or limited evidence Women with high prolactin levels from tumors or other causes, with infertility or PMS

What they did

Reviewed treatment options for high prolactin including surgery, radiation, and drug treatments.

What they found

Surgery for prolactin-producing tumors does not cure infertility in most cases, succeeding in at most 50% of cases. Bromocriptine restores normal prolactin and brings back ovulation and periods in most cases with high prolactin not caused by a tumor, and in many cases when caused by a tumor. It can also treat premenstrual syndrome.

What it means for you

Bromocriptine is an effective medical option for treating infertility and PMS caused by high prolactin. This is a review of drug research, not a new clinical trial. Women need regular monitoring during treatment. The main limitation is this review is from 1982.

at most 50%

Success rate of surgery alone in treating infertility from prolactin tumors

About the study

Original title
[Prolactin, bromocriptine and gonadal function in women: recent advances. II. Treatment of female hyperprolactinemia and other indications for the use of bromocriptine]
Authors
Buvat J, Buvat-Herbaut M
Journal
Journal de gynecologie, obstetrique et biologie de la reproduction
Year
1982
Study design
Review
What was tested
Bromocriptine drug treatment

Topics