PCOS and Hyperprolactinemia: Conflicting Conditions or Comorbidities?

Abstract

Currently, hyperprolactinemia is considered as a condition to be excluded during the diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), because it often demonstrates clinical signs similar to PCOS. However, some publications have reported “the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in PCOS,” which does not agree with the statement above statement. The publications presented in this review demonstrate conflicting approaches to considering the association of hyperprolactinemia and PCOS. On the one hand, the current consensus on the diagnosis of PCOS assumes the exclusion of patients with hyperprolactinemia, and on the other hand, some authors consider hyperprolactinemia as an acceptable condition and estimate its prevalence in PCOS. Based on the analysis of the literature, we have demonstrated a contradictory attitude towards the association between hyperprolactinemia and PCOS. To overcome the contradiction, we consider it appropriate to use the term "potential PCOS" before the final assessment of the contribution of hyperprolactinemia to the development of symptoms similar to PCOS. The final diagnosis of PCOS in the presence of hyperprolactinemia is possible only after its correction and reassessment of all symptoms.

Keywords

• macroprolactinemia
• polycystic ovarian syndrome
• hyperandrogenism
• hirsutism