From the Research
No, PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) does not typically cause low prolactin levels, and in fact, some women with PCOS may experience slightly elevated prolactin levels, though this is not a defining characteristic of the condition. PCOS is primarily characterized by hormonal imbalances involving elevated androgens (male hormones), insulin resistance, and irregular ovulation. Prolactin, which is produced by the pituitary gland, is generally not directly affected by the hormonal mechanisms of PCOS.
Key Points to Consider
- If a woman with PCOS has abnormal prolactin levels, it's usually due to a separate condition or factor, such as certain medications (like dopamine agonists), hypothyroidism, or pituitary disorders 1.
- When low prolactin is detected in someone with PCOS, doctors typically look for other causes, and it's essential for women with PCOS who have abnormal prolactin levels to discuss this with their healthcare provider, as it may require separate evaluation and treatment beyond standard PCOS management.
- A recent study found that lower baseline prolactin levels are associated with higher baseline HOMA-IR levels as well as with a better response to metformin treatment in overweight/obese, insulin-resistant PCOS women 2.
Clinical Implications
- The relationship between prolactin and metabolic parameters in PCOS women is complex, and low serum prolactin may be an important cause of metabolic risk in infertile patients with PCOS 3.
- Prolactin concentrations should be assessed in each woman with PCOS suspicion because of certain common clinical signs in both disorders, and every woman diagnosed with PCOS and hyperprolactinemia should further be examined in terms of the actual causes of hyperprolactinemia 4.