Table 3.
Frequency and serum prolactin levels of endocrine and non-endocrine causes of hyperprolactinaemia (N = 507)
| Cause of hyperprolactinaemia | n (%) | Median (minimum–maximum) in ng/mL |
|---|---|---|
| Endocrine | ||
| Prolactinoma | 86 (17) | 191 (14.6–2000) |
| Sellar masses except prolactinoma | 34 (6.7) | 41.3 (13–196) |
| PCOS | 60 (11.8) | 42.2 (27–92.2) |
| Empty sella syndrome | 9 (1.8) | 48.4 (29.4–78) |
| Hypothyroidism | 4 (0.8) | 28.3 (13.4–38) |
| Non-endocrine | ||
| Transient | 74 (14.6) | 32.5 (13.4–77) |
| Drug-induced | 73 (14.4) | 68.4 (19.6–240) |
| Seizures | 39 (7.7) | 37.9 (13.6–221.2) |
| Acute illness | 34 (6.7) | 32.4 (14–70.2) |
| Idiopathic | 30 (5.9) | 47.7 (13.6–115) |
| CKD | 28 (5.5) | 50.1 (13.9–151.7) |
| Pregnancy | 20 (3.9) | 87.4 (24–490) |
| Other* | 16 (3.2) | 48.2 (18–167.8) |
PCOS = polycystic ovarian syndrome; CKD = chronic kidney disease
*
Other reasons included breastfeeding (n = 8), localised breast irritation/ infection/surgery (n = 6), hypoplastic pituitary (n = 1) and syncope (n = 1).