Cabergoline
Other
In plain English
Cabergoline is a tablet that lowers the hormone prolactin. It is the preferred medicine for high prolactin levels and prolactin-producing pituitary tumors, restoring normal menstrual cycles/fertility and shrinking these tumors. It is taken only once or twice a week. High doses (used for Parkinson's) have been linked to heart-valve issues, but standard prolactin doses appear low-risk.
The science
Cabergoline is a long-acting ergot-derived dopamine D2 receptor agonist that suppresses pituitary lactotroph prolactin secretion. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show it is more effective than bromocriptine at normalizing prolactin, restoring menses/ovulation, and reducing adenoma size, with fewer adverse effects and convenient twice-weekly dosing.
References
- dos Santos Nunes V et al., cabergoline vs bromocriptine in hyperprolactinemia (systematic review/meta-analysis), Pituitary 2011
- Wang AT et al., treatment of hyperprolactinemia (systematic review/meta-analysis), Syst Rev 2012
This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed 503(A) pharmacy and are not
FDA-approved products. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed provider
after reviewing your medical history.