Hyperprolactinemia and Adrenal Steroidogenesis

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of prolactin on adrenal steroid profiles in patients with hyperprolactinemia due to prolactinomas before and after initialisation of treatment.

Detailed Description
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Prolactin is known to influence many biological processes. One potential target is the adrenal gland, where prolactin may stimulate the production of adrenal steroid hormones. Conditions of increased prolactin production(hyperprolactinemia) could, therefore, increase concentrations of adrenal steroids. One of the potential implications would be false doping accusations of athletes engaging in elite sports. This interaction between prolactin and adrenal steroidogenesis, however, remains poorly understood, and the available research findings are conflicting. The investigators, therefore, seek to explore the relationship between prolactin and adrenal steroidogenesis by monitoring prolactin levels and blood and urinary steroid profiles of patients with hyperprolactinemia due to prolactinomas before and after treatment initialisation.

Official Title
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Hyperprolactinemia and Adrenal Steroidogenesis: is There a Link?

Conditions
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Hyperprolactinemia

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Aged 18 years or older Female and pre-menopausal Serum prolactin > 150 ng/ml Exclusion Criteria: Corticotropic and/or thyreotropic insufficiency Pregnancy, planned pregnancy or breastfeeding Physical or psychological condition likely to interfere with the normal conduct of the study and interpretation of the study results as judged by the investigator Incapacity to give informed consent

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Covariation of plasma prolactin and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone | Covariation of plasma prolactin and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone over time | From pre-treatment till 5 weeks of treatment | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in the plasma steroid profile | Change in the plasma steroid profile over time | From pre-treatment till 5 weeks of treatment | 
| Change in plasma prolactin levels | Change in plasma prolactin levels over time | From pre-treatment till 5 weeks of treatment | 
| Change in the urine steroid profile | Change in the urine steroid profile over time | From pre-treatment till 5 weeks of treatment | 
| Covariation of urinary adrenal steroids | Covariation of urinary adrenal steroids over time | From pre-treatment till 5 weeks of treatment | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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adrenal steroidogenesis, doping