Bromocriptine treatment of secondary amenorrhoea

Lancet. 1976 May 29;1(7970):1154-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(76)91542-7.

Abstract

Bromocriptine 2-5 mg twice daily is effective in the treatment of both normoprolactinaemic and hyperprolactinaemic secondary amenorrhoea. This was demonstrated by the restoration of menstrual cycle and/or ovulation in 9 of 18 normoprolactinaemic and in 8 of 14 hyperprolactinaemic patients taking bromocriptine. Serum-prolactin level decreased in both groups of patients, and usually menstruation was recovered within 8 weeks'treatment. Galactorrhoea disappeared in 7 of 9 hyperprolactinaemic patients, and 2 became pregnant. After treatment had ceased spontaneous menstrual activity continued in 4 patients. 16 patients had side-effects the commonest being nausea and vertigo. These usually disappeared with the dosage was reduced, but 5 patients refused to continue. These results point to a new approach in the treatment of secondary amenorrhoea, even in those patients whose clinical findings give no indication of prolactin suppression.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Amenorrhea / blood
  • Amenorrhea / drug therapy*
  • Bromocriptine / administration & dosage
  • Bromocriptine / pharmacology
  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Ergolines / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Galactorrhea / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Menstruation / drug effects
  • Ovulation / drug effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Prolactin / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Puerperal Disorders / blood
  • Puerperal Disorders / drug therapy

Substances

  • Ergolines
  • Bromocriptine
  • Prolactin