Findings that shed new light on the possible pathogenesis of a disease or an adverse effect
Autonomous prolactin secretion in two male-to-female transgender patients using conventional oestrogen dosages
1 VU University Medical Center, Department of Endocrinology, de Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, 1081HV, The Netherlands
2 University of Sheffield, Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK
3 Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, PO Box 9600, Leiden, 2300RC, The Netherlands
Correspondence to:
Mathijs C Bunck, mcmbunck{at}vumc.nl
Oestrogen-induced prolactinomas have been reported in male-to-female (MTF) transgender patients after excessive oestrogen self-administration. Here, two prolactinoma cases after 14 years (case 1) and 30 years (case 2) of relatively low-dose oestrogen treatment are reported. Both resolved after treatment with dopamine agonists. During the first year of oestrogen treatment the patient in case 1 showed a remarkable (7.2-fold) increase in serum prolactin concentration, returning to within the normal range for 13 years until the start of autonomous prolactin secretion. It is hypothesised that this strong first-year prolactin response may be a sign of increased pituitary oestrogen sensitivity. Therefore the patient’s increase in prolactin concentration during the first 18 months was compared to 74 matched control patients from a database, and this increase was found to be significantly greater in the case patient. It is suggested that in MTF patients an excessive first year increase in serum prolactin concentration may identify patients at risk for autonomous prolactin secretion later in life.
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