Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Hyperprolactinemia, characterised by elevated prolactin levels, can disrupt ovulation, and menstrual cycles and lead to infertility in women. Despite its implications for reproductive health, there is a limited exploration of infertility issues among affected patients, as highlighted by current NICE guidelines (CG156).

Objective: This pilot audit aimed to assess the burden of infertility in female patients with hyperprolactinemia and to investigate barriers to exploring infertility within this population.

Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted on 78 women diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia from a total of 613 patients identified through electronic records at The Royal Liverpool Hospitals. Data collected included demographics, prolactin levels, causes of hyperprolactinemia, presenting symptoms, and management options.

Results: The median age of participants was 37 years. Pituitary microadenomas were the most common cause of hyperprolactinemia (36%).21% of women presented with infertility concerns. Many (57%) women with no presenting diagnosis of infertility and incidental hyperprolactinemia, lacked discussion on fertility status during their consultation. Amongst women whose prolactin levels normalised, 20% successfully restored fertility, highlighting the need for better fertility discussions during consultations.

Conclusion: This pilot study reveals significant barriers to exploring infertility in women with hyperprolactinemia, suggesting that clinicians might not be routinely addressing fertility concerns. Effective communication and updated guidelines are necessary to ensure that fertility issues are appropriately identified and managed in this population.