Hyperprolactinemia
What is hyperprolactinemia?
Hyperprolactinemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated prolactin levels in the serum. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a structure that sits underneath the brain in a region called the sella turcica. Elevated prolactin levels may occur due to normal processes of the body such as pregnancy, nipple, stimulation, and stress. However, conditions such as pituitary tumors (eg, prolactinoma) or use of certain medications can also lead to increased serum prolactin levels and its manifestations.
Women with hyperprolactinemia often develop menstrual irregularities, infertility, and mild let down from the breast. Men often have decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, …show more content…
Additional blood tests commonly include a CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), CBC (complete blood cell count), and thyroid function studies (TSH, free T4).
How is hyperprolactinemia treated?
Hyperprolactinemia is typically treated by tapering, discontinuing, or switching any implicated medications such antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol) or antiemetics (eg, metoclopramide). Patients with pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas) typically benefit from initial treatment with dopamine agonists such as Dostinex (cabergoline). Dopamine agonists are effective because they inhibit the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland.
Patients who fail to respond to cabergoline may benefit from transsphenoidal surgery to remove the prolactinoma. This is also true in patients with large prolactinomas that produce symptoms related to brain compression such as headache and visual changes. Radiation therapy may also be required after tumor resection to prevent regrowth of residual adenoma.
Summary:
• Hyperprolactinemia is characterized by elevated prolactin levels in the serum. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a structure that sits underneath the brain in a region called the sella
What is hyperprolactinemia?
Hyperprolactinemia is a medical condition characterized by elevated prolactin levels in the serum. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a structure that sits underneath the brain in a region called the sella turcica. Elevated prolactin levels may occur due to normal processes of the body such as pregnancy, nipple, stimulation, and stress. However, conditions such as pituitary tumors (eg, prolactinoma) or use of certain medications can also lead to increased serum prolactin levels and its manifestations.
Women with hyperprolactinemia often develop menstrual irregularities, infertility, and mild let down from the breast. Men often have decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, …show more content…
Additional blood tests commonly include a CMP (comprehensive metabolic panel), CBC (complete blood cell count), and thyroid function studies (TSH, free T4).
How is hyperprolactinemia treated?
Hyperprolactinemia is typically treated by tapering, discontinuing, or switching any implicated medications such antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol) or antiemetics (eg, metoclopramide). Patients with pituitary adenomas (prolactinomas) typically benefit from initial treatment with dopamine agonists such as Dostinex (cabergoline). Dopamine agonists are effective because they inhibit the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland.
Patients who fail to respond to cabergoline may benefit from transsphenoidal surgery to remove the prolactinoma. This is also true in patients with large prolactinomas that produce symptoms related to brain compression such as headache and visual changes. Radiation therapy may also be required after tumor resection to prevent regrowth of residual adenoma.
Summary:
• Hyperprolactinemia is characterized by elevated prolactin levels in the serum. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a structure that sits underneath the brain in a region called the sella