Treatment of Menstrual Disorders with Prolactin1

Abstract

The treatment of functional uterine bleeding with prolactin is described and the results of treatment in 98 cases reported. This treatment shortens the duration and decreases the amt. of the excessive menstrual flow. Short menstrual cycles can be lengthened and midperiod bleeding prevented; premenstrual and menstrual pain associated with menorrhagia also responds to prolactin. Premenstrual acne is also favorably influenced. The treatment is based on the interference of the follicle stimulating mechanism of the pituitary by prolactin, the luteotrophic effeats of which also have some bearing. Injn. of prolactin arrests or diminishes the spontaneous intramusc. or sub-cut, hemorrhages frequently met with premenstrually. These observations favor the hypothesis of a splenic bleeding factor which is stimulated by the pituitary gonado-trophin, and curbed by prolactin.