Is osteoporosis a risk in women with high prolactin levels?
Women whose ovaries produce inadequate estrogen are at increased risk for osteoporosis. Hyperprolactinemia can cause reduced estrogen production. Although estrogen production may be restored after treatment for hyperprolactinemia, even a year or two without estrogen can compromise bone strength,and these women should protect themselves from osteoporosis by increasing exercise and calcium intake through diet or supplementation, and by avoiding smoking. Women may want to have bone density measurements to assess the effect of estrogen deficiency on bone density. They may also want to discuss estrogen replacement therapy with their physician.
