What is Hyperprolactinemia?
A condition in which a person produces too much of a hormone called prolactin. The main function of prolactin is to stimulate milk production after childbirth. It also affects the level of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) in men and women.
Prolactin is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. The pituitary gland makes hormones that control the levels of other hormones.
Prolactinoma
A non-cancerous tumour in the pituitary gland that produces too much prolactin is called a prolactinoma.
Hyperprolactinemia can also be caused by other tumours near the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and certain medications (e.g. anti-psychotics or medications to treat gastrointestinal problems).
Patients with hyperprolactinemia may experience:
Women:
- Vaginal dryness & pain during intercourse
- Irregular periods
- Production of breast milk without being pregnant or nursing
Men:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Breast enlargement
- Decreased muscle mass and body hair
Large tumors can also cause headaches, vision problems, or affect other pituitary hormones.
Prolactinomas can make it difficult to become pregnant. Close monitoring and treatment is necessary.
Pregnant women with prolactinomas need to be monitored closely for tumour enlargement and growth.
Several tests need to be performed before a diagnosis of prolactinoma is confirmed. A referral to a specialized pituitary clinic such as ours is needed.
A condition in which a person produces too much of a hormone called prolactin. The main function of prolactin is to stimulate milk production after childbirth. It also affects the level of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) in men and women.
Prolactin is made by the pituitary gland in the brain. The pituitary gland makes hormones that control the levels of other hormones.
Prolactinoma
A non-cancerous tumour in the pituitary gland that produces too much prolactin is called a prolactinoma.
Hyperprolactinemia can also be caused by other tumours near the pituitary gland, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and certain medications (e.g. anti-psychotics or medications to treat gastrointestinal problems).
Patients with hyperprolactinemia may experience:
Women:
- Vaginal dryness & pain during intercourse
- Irregular periods
- Production of breast milk without being pregnant or nursing
Men:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Breast enlargement
- Decreased muscle mass and body hair
Large tumors can also cause headaches, vision problems, or affect other pituitary hormones.
Prolactinomas can make it difficult to become pregnant. Close monitoring and treatment is necessary.
Pregnant women with prolactinomas need to be monitored closely for tumour enlargement and growth.
Several tests need to be performed before a diagnosis of prolactinoma is confirmed. A referral to a specialized pituitary clinic such as ours is needed.