Galactorrhea in oral contraceptive users. 1982

G Holtz

One hundred women who had been employing combination estrogen/progestin oral contraceptives (OCs) for a minimum of six consecutive months were evaluated for the presence of galactorrhea. It was found in 9%. The incidence did not vary significantly with age, gravidity, duration of OC use of estrogen content. Only six subjects had breast fed previously, preventing assessment of the effect this may have on the incidence of galactorrhea. Twelve OC users with galactorrhea were evaluated for the presence of pituitary microadenomas. Two had radiologic and hormonal findings consistent with the presence of prolactinomas, one had functional hyperprolactinemia, one had an empty sella, one had a partially empty sella, and two with normal basal prolactin levels had both polytomography and computerized axial tomography findings suggestive of pituitary microadenomas. Galactorrhea in OC users who have not breast fed is frequently associated with significant intrasellar pathology and should be an indication for further evaluation.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007775 Lactation Disorders Disturbances of MILK secretion in either SEX, not necessarily related to PREGNANCY. Hypogalactia,Disorder, Lactation,Disorders, Lactation,Hypogalactias,Lactation Disorder
D010911 Pituitary Neoplasms Neoplasms which arise from or metastasize to the PITUITARY GLAND. The majority of pituitary neoplasms are adenomas, which are divided into non-secreting and secreting forms. Hormone producing forms are further classified by the type of hormone they secrete. Pituitary adenomas may also be characterized by their staining properties (see ADENOMA, BASOPHIL; ADENOMA, ACIDOPHIL; and ADENOMA, CHROMOPHOBE). Pituitary tumors may compress adjacent structures, including the HYPOTHALAMUS, several CRANIAL NERVES, and the OPTIC CHIASM. Chiasmal compression may result in bitemporal HEMIANOPSIA. Pituitary Cancer,Cancer of Pituitary,Cancer of the Pituitary,Pituitary Adenoma,Pituitary Carcinoma,Pituitary Tumors,Adenoma, Pituitary,Adenomas, Pituitary,Cancer, Pituitary,Cancers, Pituitary,Carcinoma, Pituitary,Carcinomas, Pituitary,Neoplasm, Pituitary,Neoplasms, Pituitary,Pituitary Adenomas,Pituitary Cancers,Pituitary Carcinomas,Pituitary Neoplasm,Pituitary Tumor,Tumor, Pituitary,Tumors, Pituitary
D011247 Pregnancy The status during which female mammals carry their developing young (EMBRYOS or FETUSES) in utero before birth, beginning from FERTILIZATION to BIRTH. Gestation,Pregnancies
D011388 Prolactin A lactogenic hormone secreted by the adenohypophysis (PITUITARY GLAND, ANTERIOR). It is a polypeptide of approximately 23 kD. Besides its major action on lactation, in some species prolactin exerts effects on reproduction, maternal behavior, fat metabolism, immunomodulation and osmoregulation. Prolactin receptors are present in the mammary gland, hypothalamus, liver, ovary, testis, and prostate. Lactogenic Hormone, Pituitary,Mammotropic Hormone, Pituitary,Mammotropin,PRL (Prolactin),Hormone, Pituitary Lactogenic,Hormone, Pituitary Mammotropic,Pituitary Lactogenic Hormone,Pituitary Mammotropic Hormone
D003276 Contraceptives, Oral Compounds, usually hormonal, taken orally in order to block ovulation and prevent the occurrence of pregnancy. The hormones are generally estrogen or progesterone or both. Low-Dose Oral Contraceptive,Oral Contraceptive,Oral Contraceptives,Oral Contraceptives, Low-Dose,Oral Contraceptives, Phasic,Contraceptive, Low-Dose Oral,Contraceptive, Oral,Contraceptives, Low-Dose Oral,Contraceptives, Phasic Oral,Low Dose Oral Contraceptive,Low-Dose Oral Contraceptives,Oral Contraceptive, Low-Dose,Oral Contraceptives, Low Dose,Phasic Oral Contraceptives
D003278 Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal Oral contraceptives which owe their effectiveness to hormonal preparations. Hormonal Oral Contraceptive,Hormonal Oral Contraceptive Agent,Contraceptive Agents, Estrogen,Contraceptive Agents, Oral, Hormonal,Hormonal Oral Contraceptive Agents,Oral Contraceptive Agents, Hormonal,Oral Contraceptives, Hormonal,Contraceptive, Hormonal Oral,Contraceptives, Hormonal Oral,Estrogen Contraceptive Agents,Hormonal Oral Contraceptives,Oral Contraceptive, Hormonal
D005260 Female Females
D005687 Galactorrhea Excessive or inappropriate LACTATION in females or males, and not necessarily related to PREGNANCY. Galactorrhea can occur either unilaterally or bilaterally, and be profuse or sparse. Its most common cause is HYPERPROLACTINEMIA. Galactorrheas
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000236 Adenoma A benign epithelial tumor with a glandular organization. Adenoma, Basal Cell,Adenoma, Follicular,Adenoma, Microcystic,Adenoma, Monomorphic,Adenoma, Papillary,Adenoma, Trabecular,Adenomas,Adenomas, Basal Cell,Adenomas, Follicular,Adenomas, Microcystic,Adenomas, Monomorphic,Adenomas, Papillary,Adenomas, Trabecular,Basal Cell Adenoma,Basal Cell Adenomas,Follicular Adenoma,Follicular Adenomas,Microcystic Adenoma,Microcystic Adenomas,Monomorphic Adenoma,Monomorphic Adenomas,Papillary Adenoma,Papillary Adenomas,Trabecular Adenoma,Trabecular Adenomas

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