Prolactinoma
Found on the pituitary gland, prolactinoma is a non-cancerous tumor that causes the body to overproduce the hormone prolactin which stimulates breast milk. It decreases levels of estrogen for women and testosterone for men. Prolactinoma is not life-threatening but, if left untreated, it can cause infertility and impaired vision. It is the most common type of tumor found in the pituitary gland.
Symptoms include unexplained breast milk in women who are not pregnant or nursing, changes in menstruation and decreased sexual interest.
The symptoms are less obvious in men which can often delay a visit to the doctor. Men experiencing erectile dysfunction, headaches and problems with their vision should make appointment with their doctor. Doctors use drug therapy to effectively restore prolactin levels in the body. Surgery and radiation may also be used to remove the tumor.
Recently Answered
- Q What do my high prolactin levels mean?
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Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. Its primary purpose is to promote milk production for a woman who is breastfeeding. In other situations an elevated prolactin level is abnormal and may cause problems.There are several symptoms or... Full Answer
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- Q What is the relationship between prolactinoma and osteoporosis?
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People with prolactinoma are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis. Prolactinoma causes too much prolactin in the body, which leads to lower levels of estrogen and testosterone. This may decrease bone density in both women and men. Decreased bone... Full Answer
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- Q What should I know about caring for someone with prolactinoma?
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When caring for someone with prolactinoma, support them throughout any treatment. Prolactinoma is often treated with medications, which may have to be taken for a long time. Help your loved one decide on and stick with a treatment, because it may be a... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my prolactinoma symptoms?
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If you have symptoms that you think may be caused by prolactinoma, you should talk to your doctor. Symptoms may vary depending on your sex and the size of the tumor. Suspicious symptoms in men may include erectile dysfunction, decreased body hair, and... Full Answer
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- Q How do I manage my prolactinoma on a daily basis?
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To manage prolactinoma on a daily basis, it's important to follow your doctor's recommendations for treatment. Some people who don't have many symptoms may not have to do anything at all. Other people may have to take a medication, such as bromocriptine,... Full Answer
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- Q What are the side effects of prolactinoma treatment?
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Prolactinoma is commonly treated with medications, which may cause significant side effects. Prolactinoma medications are usually dopamine agonists, including bromocriptine and cabergoline. When these drugs are taken by people with prolactinoma, they... Full Answer
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- Q Can other conditions cause symptoms of prolactinoma?
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Prolactinoma is a common cause of high prolactin levels and its subsequent symptoms, but other conditions may have similar effects. For example, other types of pituitary tumors (including those that are cancerous) and thyroid problems may affect hormone... Full Answer
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- Q Are there alternative treatments for prolactinoma?
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There really aren't any alternative treatments that will help cure prolactinoma. Usually, prolactinoma can only be treated with medications or surgery. In some cases, doctors may not recommend any treatment at all. However, it may be helpful for people... Full Answer
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- Q How do oral contraceptives affect prolactinoma?
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There's no evidence that taking oral contraceptives will increase your risk for prolactinoma. However, some women on oral contraceptives have higher levels of prolactin, which is also an effect of prolactinoma. Also, women on oral contraceptives may... Full Answer
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- Q Can women with prolactinoma become pregnant?
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In most cases it's possible for women with prolactinoma to become pregnant, but it may be difficult without the proper treatment. Prolactinoma causes too much prolactin and too little estrogen, which can cause infertility. With the right medications,... Full Answer
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