Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the bone mineral density (BMD) of hyperprolactinemic women after at least one year treatment with dopamine agonists. A total of 24 patients and 24 healthy control women (mean age of 33 ± 8 and 33.8 ± 0.8 years, respectively, P = 0.74) were participated in this study. Measurement of fasting serum prolactin and estrogen level in the follicular phase was carried out for all patients using RIA and IRMA methods. Bone mineral density was measured by DEXA method and Lunar-DPX device in lumbar spine (L₂ - L₄) and femoral neck. The mean BMD in study and control groups in the lumbar spine (L₂ - L₄) was 1.21 ± 0.16 versus 1.14 ± 0.14 g/cm² (p = 0.10) and in femoral neck was 0.95 ± 0.16 versus 0.92 ± 0.12 g/cm², respectively (P = 0.47). The mean T-score in patients and controls in L₂ - L₄ was 0.4 ± 1.23 versus -0.07 ± 0.85 and in femoral neck was -0.21 ± 1.43 versus -0.27 ± 1.04 (P = 0.11 and 0.76, respectively). The mean Z- score of patients and controls groups in L₂ - L₄site and femoral neck showed no significant differences (P = 0.22 and 0.98). The rate of osteopenia in patients and controls group in L₂ - L₄ was 12.5 versus 16.7% and in femoral neck was 20.8 versus 33.3%, respectively (P = 0.68 and 0.33). The results showed that BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neck in hyperprolactinemic women treated with dopamine agonists were similar to healthy age matched control women. So in follow up of these patients more treatment modalities in addition to dopamine agonists do not seem necessary.

Key words: Hyperprolactinemia, bone density, estrogen, bromocriptine, cabergoline.