Effect of L-Dopa on Galactopoiesis and Gonadotropin Levels in the Inappropriate Lactation Syndrome

Ten oligomenorrheic or amenorrheic patients with the inappropriate lactation syndrome were observed during oral treatment with L-Dopa, using various therapeutic regimens. In 4 of 7 subjects, galactorrhea was effectively suppressed by chronic ingestion of L-Dopa. Cessation of treatment resulted in the resumption of lactation. In an addition patient a permanent inhibition of lactation was attained after 15 days of therapy. In the remaining 2 patients only partial suppression of galactorrhea was achieved during treatment. Short-term treatment had no effect on the galactorrhea. Six patients experienced normal ovulatory cycles during therapy. Of this group 2 patients became pregnant. These date suggest that L-Dopa therapy might be effective for suppression of abnormal lactation and might also be of potential use in subjects with anovulation due to hypothalamic disturbances.