Objective: To evaluate the altered dopaminergic modulation of growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Methods: Responses of GH and PRL to L-Dopa (L-DA) (500 mg) were observed in two PCOS groups (LH/FSH > or = 3, Group I, n = 15, LH/FSH < 3, Group II, n = 15) and the control (n = 20).
Results: Significantly lower GH (P < 0.01) and higher PRL levels (P < 0.05 in group I) in the basal state, and lower responses of GH and PRL to L-DA were found in two PCOS groups as compared with the control.
Conclusion: The altered basal levels and blunted L-DA evoked responses of GH and PRL suggest a relative decrease of the dopaminergic activity in PCOS patients.