Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2016) 44 CMW3.1 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.44.CMW3.1

SFEBES2016 Clinical Management Workshops Workshop 3: How do I… (6 abstracts)

How I approach Drug-Induced Hyperprolactinaemia

Paul Newey


University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.


Drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia is a frequently encountered clinical entity due to the large number of commonly prescribed medications that may influence prolactin secretion. Anti-psychotics, anti-depressants and anti-emetics are most frequently culpable, predominantly due to inhibitory effects on hypothalamic-pituitary dopamine signalling. The onset and severity of hyperprolactinaemia may be highly variable, and individuals may harbour typical symptoms (e.g. galactorrhoea, amenorrhoea, erectile dysfunction) or remain asymptomatic. Initial clinical assessment typically involves the exclusion of other causes of hyperprolactinaemia, whilst the short-term discontinuation of implicated medications frequently allows the diagnosis to be confirmed. When cessation of medication is not possible, or other aetiologies suspected, pituitary imaging is frequently employed. Once a diagnosis of drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia is established, the decision to treat depends on the presence or absence of symptoms and/or evidence of clinical sequelae resulting from associated hypogonadism. Where possible, switching to an alternative medication may resolve the problem, whilst for those individuals in whom alternate agents are not suitable, treatment of hypogonadism with oestrogen or testosterone may be appropriate. The use of dopamine-agonists remains controversial in this setting and is typically avoided due to concerns over the potential to exacerbate underlying psychiatric diagnoses.

This presentation will highlight the potential challenges of managing drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia, and will have a particular focus on areas of clinical uncertainty

Volume 44

Society for Endocrinology BES 2016

Brighton, UK
07 Nov 2016 - 09 Nov 2016

Society for Endocrinology 

Browse other volumes

Article tools

My recent searches

No recent searches.

My recently viewed abstracts