Abstract
IntroductionPolycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent etiology of anovulation, hyperandrogenism and infertility in women. Its pathophysiology remains poorly elucidated. Hyperprolactinemia (hPRL) is common in women of reproductive age and may partially mimic the clinical phenotype of PCOS. The simultaneous finding of both conditions is therefore not rare, however there are conflicting studies on whether a link exists between them.Materials and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective monocentric study between 2015 and 2021 and among women who were referred for possible PCOS, we selected those who met the ESHRE/Rotterdam definition criteria. hPRL was defined as two values above the upper limit of normal with at least one measurement in our centre.ResultsA total of 430 women were selected, of whom 179 met the PCOS criteria. 50 out of 179 patients (27.9%) had at least one elevated value of PRL and 21 (11.7%) had hPRL according to our definition. Among the 21 women of the PCOS/hPRL cohort, 5 (23.8%) had a microprolactinoma and all of them had PRL level ≥ 60 ng/ml. The remaining cases were macroprolactinemia (n=5), iatrogenic hPRL (n=4), primary hypothyroidism (n=1) or unexplained (n=6) despite exhaustive investigations. The metoclopramide test resulted in an increase of basal PRL < 300% in all prolactinomas and ≥ 300% in all the other etiologies.ConclusionhPRL was a common finding in PCOS women, secondary to a microprolactinoma in a quarter of cases. Metoclopramide test performed in women with hPRL below 60 ng/ml appeared as a helpful tool 1) to discriminate pituitary causes from others etiologies, 2) to potentially avoid unnecessary pituitary MRI.
Highlights
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent etiology of anovulation, hyperandrogenism and infertility in women
Both oligoanovulation and hyperandrogenism constitute the cardinal features of PCOS, while insulin resistance and excess weight largely contribute to its pathogenesis, clinical/biochemical manifestations, and long-term sequelae [3]
We did not observe a significant association between the PCOS phenotype and body mass index (BMI) of the patient (Figure 2, p = 0.35)
Summary
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent etiology of anovulation, hyperandrogenism and infertility in women. Between 2.2 and 21.3% of women in reproducing age are diagnosed with this pathology [1], with up to 70% of affected women undiagnosed [2] Both oligoanovulation and hyperandrogenism constitute the cardinal features of PCOS, while insulin resistance and excess weight largely contribute to its pathogenesis, clinical/biochemical manifestations, and long-term sequelae [3]. When facing hPRL, pregnancy, breastfeeding, medications, and the presence of macroprolactinemia must be ruled out in priority The latter results from the formation of prolactin-immunoglobulin complex, and was recognized as a frequent cause of hPRL since many years [5], with an incidence as high as 25% in some series [6]. This is of upmost importance in case of infertility, where combined treatment for PCOS and hPRL are actively discussed, in order to restore menstrual cycles and a regular qualitative ovulation
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