Hyperprolactinemia and body weight: prevalence of obesity and overweight in patients with hyperprolactinemia

Abstract

Background and objectives: Recent studies have shown an association between prolactin (Prl) levels and body weight, with increased prevalence of obesity in patients with prolactinomas and weight loss associated with hyperprolactinemia. However, data on variations in body weight associated with different degrees of hyperprolactinemia remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of obesity and overweight in patients with hyperprolactinemia of various causes and correlate Prl levels with body mass index (BMI). Methods: Medical records of patients with hyperprolactinemia were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified according to BMI as normal weight (19.0-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and class I (30-34.9), class II (35-39.9) and class III (> 40) obesity. Disease etiology was divided into microprolactinoma, macroprolactinoma, and other causes for analysis. Results: Of 138 eligible patients, 52.9% had micro or macroprolactinoma and 65.2% were overweight or obese. Mean patient age was 36.2±13.6 years. Obesity was more prevalent in patients with macroprolactinoma (50%), and overweight in patients with other causes of hyperprolactinemia (37.9%), with no statistical difference between groups. Prl levels were higher in macroprolactinomas, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) compared to microprolactinomas and other causes of hyperprolactinemia. Prl was also significantly higher in microprolactinomas than in other causes of hyperprolactinemia (p<0.001). Conclusions: Prevalence of obesity was significantly high in hyperprolactinemic patients, regardless of the degree of obesity and the cause of hyperprolactinemia. It is important to monitor BMI in patients with elevated Prl levels to introduce measures aiming to maintain an ideal weight and reduce associated comorbidities.

The value of prolactin in predicting prolactinοma in hyperprolactinaemic polycystic ovarian syndrome

“…Of note, the prevalence of ever treated hyperprolactinaemia among female patients in a large cohort of patients in the Netherlands was 93.9/ 100 000 inhabitants. These findings are in accordance with previous studies, 27,28 suggesting that when other causes of hyperprolactinaemia are excluded, PRL levels ≥4 9 upper normal limit make the possibility of functional hyperprolactinaemia highly unlikely among PCOS patients and thus warrant further imaging investigations. However, there is limited information regarding the range of PRL levels in hyperprolactinaemic PCOS patients and the prevalence of prolactinomas.…”

“…In addition, PRL levels ≥94.0 ng/mL were associated with prolactinomas in all cases. These findings are in accordance with previous studies, 27,28 suggesting that when other causes of hyperprolactinaemia are excluded, PRL levels ≥4 9 upper normal limit make the possibility of functional hyperprolactinaemia highly unlikely among PCOS patients and thus warrant further imaging investigations.…”

Geographic-Related Differences of Pituitary Adenomas Hormone Profile: Analysis of Two Groups Coming from Southeastern and Eastern Europe

“…Ciccarelli and coworkers reported the variability of pituitary adenomas with age and sex but not with geographical regions [ 19 ]. Isolated data regarding geographical variability of prolactinomas percentage were recently reported by Pereira-Lima and coworkers, who related prolactinomas with body weight variability in different regions of Brazil [ 25 ].…”

Novel Biomarkers to Understand Cardiovascular Complications in Diabetes

“…Other than lactogenic property, prolactin plays important role in the regulation of reproduction, growth and development, metabolism, immune regulation, brain function, and behaviour [65]. Prevalence of obesity was increased in hyperprolactinaemic patients [66]. Circulating levels of prolactin increase in diabetic patients.…”