What is prolactinoma?
A prolactinoma is a benign tumour (adenoma) of the pituitary gland that produces prolactin hormone. It is a common type of pituitary tumour.
What causes prolactinoma?
The cause of prolactinoma is unknown
Hypothyroidism
Diseases affecting the hypothalamus(the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland)
Anorexia (an eating disorder)
Drugs that are used to treat depression, psychosis, and high blood pressure
Chest injury or irritation (for example, scars, shingles)
What happens when your prolactin levels are high?
High prolactin levels cause:
In females:
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Milky discharges from the breast when not pregnant
• Painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness
• Acne or excessive body and facial hair growth
In males:
• Erectile dysfunction
• Gynecomastia
In both sexes:
• Low bone density
• Headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Infertility
Can stress cause high prolactin levels?
Yes, stress can be the reason for high prolactin levels in your blood. As prolactin is regulated by dopamine in the brain, any medications that interfere with this substance in the brain can cause elevated prolactin levels.
What are normal prolactin levels?
The normal range for prolactin is:
Males: 2 to 18 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL)
Nonpregnant females: 2 to 29 ng/mL
Pregnant females: 10 to 209 ng/mL
Can prolactin cause weight gain?
Weight gain and elevated body weight are frequently associated with prolactinomas
Pituitary tumours can cause fatigue, unexplained weight loss or weight gain,
What are the complications?
-Vision loss
-Hypopituitarism
-Bone loss
-Pregnancy complications
