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Non-randomised trial, 1978

Does high prolactin cause severe period pain?

High prolactin was found in 13 of 15 women with severe period pain, and most improved with treatment. We cannot be very sure because the sample was tiny and there was no control group.

Early or limited evidence 15 women with severe primary dysmenorrhoea

What they did

Examined 15 women with severe primary dysmenorrhoea. Doctors ruled out pituitary tumours and treated all women with Bromo-ergocryptine, a medication that lowers prolactin.

What they found

High prolactin levels were found in 13 of 15 women. After treatment, 8 women became symptom-free and 5 were well improved.

What it means for you

The findings suggest high prolactin may be linked to severe period pain. The main limits are the very small sample size and no control group for comparison. This was published in 1978, so it is older research.

13 of 15

women with high prolactin

8

became symptom-free

5

were well improved

About the study

Original title
[Primary dysmenorrhoea and hyperprolactinemia (author's transl)]
Authors
Litschgi M, Glatthaar E
Journal
Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde
Year
1978
Study design
Non-randomised trial
Participants
15
What was tested
Bromo-ergocryptine medication to lower prolactin

Topics