[The pathological secretion of prolactin (author's transl)].

The problem of hyperprolactinaemia is dominated by the search for an active pituitary adenoma, which, if it is at all large, requires neuro-surgical operation. In cases where a microadenoma is responsible or where the pathological secretion of prolactin is istrogenic, the most serious consequence is sterility. Hyperprolactinaemia in fact works at two levels: on cyclical gonadotrophic activity and on luteal function. Whatever the cause is, bromocriptine allows hyperprolactinaemia to be corrected together with the disturbances of ovulation resulting from it.