Abstract

MALLEA-GIL, MS et al. Evolution of Microprolactinomas after Menopause. Rev. argent. endocrinol. metab. [online]. 2014, vol.51, n.3, pp.136-140. ISSN 1851-3034.

Introduction: The stimulatory role of estrogens on prolactin secretionn and on proliferation of lactotropic cells is well-established. There is scarce literature about the effects of menopause in patients with prolactinomas. Objectives: To assess the evolution of tumor size and prolactin (PRL) levels in patients with microprolactinomas diagnosed and treated with dopamine agonists bromocriptine (BEC)/cabergoline (CAB) during their fertile age and the effects of discontinuation of those drugs after menopause. Material and methods: retrospective, multicenter study. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with microprolac­tinomas during their fertile age were studied in their menopause. Mean ± SD age at menopause was 49±3.6 years. In all patients, treatment was stopped when they reached menopause. Results: Mean ± SD pre-treatment PRL level was 120 ± 58 ng/ml and during menopause after stopping treatment, it was 23 ± 14 ng/ml before 12 months, and 16 ± 6 ng/ml after 12 months. During menopause and when stopping treatment, the tumor disappeared in 9/21 and the tumor size decreased in 12/21 patients; a year or more after treatment discontinuation, the tumor disappeared in 9/12 and was unchanged in 3/12. The mean ± SD treatment duration was 135 ± 74 months. Two patients were restarted on treatment because PRL levels increased. Conclusions: Normal PRL levels and sustained reduction or resolution of adenomas were achieved in most patients studied. Only two out of 21 restarted treatment because of hyperprolactinemia. Dopamine agonists might be safely stopped after menopause in patients with microprolactinomas. Rev Argent Endocrinol Metab 51:136-141, 2014 No financial conflicts of interest exist.

Keywords : Menopause; Microprolactinoma; Prolactin.

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