What You Need To Know About Hyperprolactinemia

What You Need To Know About Hyperprolactinemia

By Abbah Christy

Prolactin is a hormone primarily synthesized by the pituitary gland that is essential for breast growth and milk synthesis following childbirth. Additionally, it serves a variety of functions in both males and females, including roles in the immune system, metabolism, and reproductive processes. In non-pregnant individuals, prolactin levels are typically low but increase significantly during pregnancy and postpartum to facilitate breastfeeding.

Key functions and characteristics include:
Main role: Promotes the growth of breast tissue during pregnancy and initiates milk production after delivery.
Production sites: While the anterior pituitary is the primary location for production, prolactin is also generated in other areas of the body, such as the immune system, uterus, brain, and mammary glands

When prolactin levels are elevated:
Normal fluctuations: Prolactin levels can temporarily rise due to factors such as stress or food intake.
Hyperprolactinemia: Refers to an abnormal increase in prolactin levels in individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Causes of hyperprolactinemia: The most frequent cause is a benign pituitary tumor known as a prolactinoma, although other conditions may also contribute.
Symptoms associated with high levels include:
Irregular or missed menstrual cycles.
Milky discharge from the nipples in both women and men (known as galactorrhea).
Infertility.
Headaches and vision disturbances (especially in cases involving prolactinomas).
Erectile dysfunction in males.

Diagnosis and treatment:
Diagnosis: A blood test is conducted to assess prolactin levels. An MRI may be required to investigate the presence of a pituitary tumor.
Treatment: Elevated prolactin levels can often be effectively managed with medications that lower these levels and reduce tumor size. Surgery or radiation therapy may be necessary in cases where medications are ineffective.