HYPERPROLACTINEMIA
Hyperprolactinemia is defined as an increase of the hormone prolactin in the blood.
What is hyperprolactinemia?
Hyperprolactinemia is defined as an increase in the levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood. Elevated blood levels of prolactin inhibit the secretion of GnRH by the hypothalamus, which in turn inhibits the secretion of LH and FSH by the pituitary gland leading to Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism (HP) and anovulation, inhibiting ovarian function.
TopHow common is it?
It is one of the most common causes of amenorrhea and menstrual disorders, accounting for 15%-30% of cases.
TopWhat are the symptoms and signs?
- oligo-amenorrhea
- galactorrhea (milk production from the breast)
- osteopenia, osteoporosis
- infertility
What are the causes?
- Prolactinoma and other pituitary adenomas
- Craniopharyngioma and other hypothalamic tumours
- Infiltrative diseases, such as sarcoidosis
- Pregnancy
- Hypothyroidism
- Medications
- Stress
- Chronic kidney failure
How is hyperprolactinemia diagnosed?
The diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia includes history, physical examination, hormonal and other blood tests and, depending on the cause, imaging studies.
TopHow is it treated?
Treatment of hyperprolactinemia depends on the cause and includes:
- Pharmacological treatment: Dopamine Agonists
- Surgical Tumour removal
- Treatment of hypothyroidism
- Discontinuation of the responsible drug
Pregnant women with hyperprolactinemia due to a prolactinoma need close monitoring by an endocrinologist throughout pregnancy.
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