The first male patient commenced bromocriptine treatment at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, in 1971, and his case illustrates a number of important points (Fig. 4.13). Initially, the prolactin levels of the patient were extremely elevated, but the administration of bromocriptine lowered them into the normal range (undetectable by bioassay); this was associated with cessation of galactorrhoea. Bromocriptine therapy normalised the patient's prolactin levels and gonadal function, restoring potency. Following withdrawal of bromocriptine, hyperprolactinaemia recurred, with associated galactorrhoea and impotence. After restoration of bromocriptine therapy, prolactin levels rapidly returned to normal, galactorrhoea ceased, and potency was restored.
