What Is Bromocriptine?
Bromocriptine is technically a dopamine agonist. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the brain that secretes hormones. There’s a certain portion of infertility patients — less than 5 percent — that aren’t having regular periods because their prolactin (a hormone) level is high. High prolactin levels prevent the ovaries from working properly, making a woman’s ovulation irregular. The idea is to lower the prolactin level so that the ovary can work normally and the woman can more easily get pregnant.
Bromocriptine increases dopamine levels in the brain to decrease the level of prolactin secreted and hopefully allow the woman to start ovulating on her own. The medication is taken orally and could cause lower blood pressure and nausea.
Before prescribing, your doctor will likely take an MRI of your pituitary gland. In some instances, there is a small tumor — an abnormal growth, not cancer — that is causing the high prolactin level, and that would need to be treated to get your periods regular again.
For patients not having regular periods, sometimes all they need is to have regular periods, and they can more easily get pregnant.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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