Patient Education - Endocrine Encyclopedia
Endocrine Surgery Encyclopedia
Definition:
Prolactinomas are benign tumors of the pituitary gland that secrete prolactin. This
hormone is best known for inducing milk production in women, but it also serves as
a regulator of sexual function in men.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Prolactinomas are the most common pituitary tumors. Men and women are equally likely
to be affected. However, smaller tumors (microadenomas) are more common in women,
probably because of earlier detection.
Prolactinomas may occur alone or as part of multiple endocrine tumor syndromes.
Symptoms:
Symptoms in men include decreased sex drive, impotence, headache, visual impairment,
galactorrhea (secretion of milk, which is uncommon), and symptoms of hypopituitarism
(low levels of pituitary function, which result in lowered levels of thyroid or adrenal
hormones).
Sexual dysfunction may result from hyperprolactinemia alone or from secondary
hypogonadism (low testosterone levels).
Signs and tests:
Signs may include visual field defects, gynecomastia (enlarged breasts), galactorrhea,
loss of musculature or body hair, and signs of hypothyroidism or hypoadrenalism.
Tests may show:
- Elevated prolactin
- Low testosterone
- Low FSH and LH
- MRI or CT scan showing pituitary tumor
- Abnormal visual fields
Treatment:
Treatment often includes use of dopamine-agonist medications (bromocriptine or cabergoline),
which lower levels of prolactin. In severe cases (very large or unresponsive tumors),
surgery or radiation may be necessary.
Support Groups:
Expectations (prognosis):
Most prolactinomas respond well to medication. However, permanent visual loss or
hypopituitarism (lowered function of the pituitary gland) may occur.
Complications:
Complications include visual loss and infertility. Some people experience nasal congestion,
dizziness with standing, nausea, and fatigue, which may be side effects of dopamine-agonist
medications.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have any symptoms of prolactinoma.
Prevention:
Review Date: 8/6/2004
Reviewed By: Aniket R. Sidhaye, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns
Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network.
 A.D.A.M.,
Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M.
follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to
achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more
about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also
a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net
Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for
the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should
be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for
all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do
not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication
or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
