Endocrinologic and psychologic aspects of galactorrhea associated with normal menstrual cycles.

Twelve cases of galactorrhea in women with normal menstrual cycles who were radiologically free of any pituitary adenomas were investigated. Determinations were made for serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3 resin uptake (T3RU), total thyroxine by radioimmunoassay (T4), free thyroxine index (FT4I), norepinephrine, epinephrine, prolactin and urinary luteinizing hormone, total estrogens, pregnanediol and total catecholamines. Psychologic evaluation and assessment were also done using the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire and the Eysenk, manual dexterity, Bender Gestalt and trial-making scales. Hypothyroidism associated with moderate hyperprolactinemia and anovulation were the main features in eight cases. Associated psychologic disturbances were reported. The other four cases showed significant elevations in serum epinephrine, norepinephrine and urinary total catecholamines with concomitant pathologic scales of anxiety and neuroticism. Thyroxine replacement and psychotherapy are recommended in the treatment of such cases.