Low serum prolactin levels in native women at high altitude
Gonzales, G.F.; Carrillo, C.E.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 43(2): 169-175
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 7905433 DOI: 10.1016/0020-7292(93)90325-qDocument Number: 336268
OBJECTIVES: To determine the serum prolactin levels in women at sea level and at high altitude, and the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in both places. METHODS: The study included 303 normal women and 112 women with any reproductive dysfunction (menstrual abnormalities, galactorrhea or dysmenorrhea). From these, 228 were living in Lima at 150 m above sea level and 187 were living in Cerro de Pasco at 4340 m. Normal women included nonpregnant and pregnant women. Menstrual abnormalities included amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and polymenorrhea. RESULTS: Serum prolactin levels were significantly lower in non-pregnant and pregnant women living at high altitude than at sea level. Prevalence of hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea and menstrual abnormalities were significantly lower at high altitude than at sea level. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that menstrual abnormalities associated with hyperprolactinemia is a rare condition at high altitude. The low serum prolactin level observed at high altitude could be due to a high dopaminergic activity.