Summary
In order to evaluate the relationships between gonadal steroid hormones and central
dopaminergic (DA) tone, we have administered a “weak” dopamine agonist drug (piribedil)
in 12 normal women, who were postmenopausal for at least 5 yrs, and we have studied
the effects on anterior pituitary hormone release. We observed a decrease of plasma
PRL levels and an increase of plasma GH values with all doses (40, 60, 100 mg p. o.)
of the drug employed. No consistent changes in plasma FSH, LH, ACTH and TSH were observed
and no side effects were reported. These results were greatly different from those
previously described in premenopausal women in whom doserelated effects were observed
and were similar to those observed in normal male subjects. The differences in the
response to piribedil observed in women before and after the menopause could be due
to a different sexual steroid environment.
Key words
Piribedil - Dopamine - Menopause - Estrogens - PRL - GH
