What is Hyperprolactinemia?
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition characterized by excess prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production in a woman’s breasts. This hypersecretion can be due to a prolactin-secreting tumour (prolactinoma), pregnancy, or the use of numerous medications, particularly psychiatric medications or to a large pituitary tumour that compresses the rest of the gland. In most cases, changes in the menstrual cycle result in early evaluation and diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia and thus most premenstrual woman will present with small tumours (micro-prolactinomas, <1cm in size). It is not unusual for men to present with very large tumours.
Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but may include:
Women
- Loss of periods and reduced libido
- Breast milk secretion
- Infertility
Men
- Progressive loss of libido
- Impotency
- Low sperm count
- Breast enlargement
How is Hyperprolactinemia diagnosed?
Diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia is based on a patient’s individual symptoms and medical history.
Treatment for Hyperprolactinemia:
Depending on the condition and specific factors including the patients age, previous medical history and overall health, we may recommend a variety of different treatment options. Sometimes the best course of action is to observe symptoms over time reserving intervention at a later time only if the symptoms worsen. Other times, surgery is needed at the time of diagnosis. In selected cases, drug therapy can control the symptoms.
