The effect of oral contraception on macroprolactin levels in women with macroprolactinemia: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Despite a high prevalence of macroprolactinemia in the population, the only drugs found to change macroprolactin (big-big prolactin) levels were dopamine receptor agonists.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel on serum macroprolactin levels in patients with macroprolactinemia. The study population included 21 premenopausal women with isolated macroprolactinemia, 11 of whom were treated with oral contraceptive pills. Serum prolactin and macroprolactin levels were assessed at baseline and after 16 weeks of treatment.

RESULTS

Oral contraceptive pills administered for 16 weeks slightly increased pre-polyethylene glycol serum prolactin levels and macroprolactin levels and the effect of this treatment correlated with their baseline values.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel exhibit a stimulatory effect on macroprolactin production in women with basically high macroprolactin levels.