Which endocrine disorder can cause hyperprolactinemia?
Pathological hyperprolactinemia can be caused by both hypothalamic-pituitary disease (prolactinomas) as well as non-hypothalamic-pituitary disease. Around 40% patients with primary hypothyroidism, 30% patients with chronic renal failure, and up to 80% patients on hemodialysis have mild elevation of prolactin levels.
What problems can high prolactin levels cause?
Excess prolactin can cause the production of breast milk in men and in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. In women, too much prolactin can also cause menstrual problems and infertility (the inability to get pregnant). In men, it can lead to lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Is hyperprolactinemia a hormonal imbalance?
Hyperprolactinemia can be caused by other medical conditions that produce hormonal imbalances in the body, growths on the pituitary gland, and some medications (1,3). About 2 in 5 cases of hyperprolactinemia don’t have a known cause (1).
What will an endocrinologist do for high prolactin?
Dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine (Parlodel and Cycloset) are the most common treatment for high levels of prolactin. These medications help the brain produce dopamine to control high prolactin levels. They can also shrink prolactinoma tumors. Your doctor may recommend that you take cabergoline.
What is the most common cause of hyperprolactinemia?
One common cause of hyperprolactinemia is a growth or tumor on the pituitary gland called a prolactinoma. The tumor produces high levels of prolactin. These tumors can be large or small and are usually benign, meaning they are not cancerous.
What happens if hyperprolactinemia is not treated?
When a patient with hyperprolactinemia is not treated, a number of ramifications can result, the most significant of which is osteoporosis. Evidence-based analysis shows that bone mineralization also can be affected by such problems as gonadal dysgenesis and possibly adrenal dysfunction.
Is High prolactin caused by stress?
Stress is also an important physiologic cause of hyperprolactinemia, and its clinical significance is still being explored. This review will provide an overview of prolactin physiology, the role of stress in prolactin secretion, as well as the general clinical approach to hyperprolactinemia.
What are the symptoms of too much prolactin?
Symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, menopausal symptoms (hot flashes and vaginal dryness), and, after several years, osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bones). High prolactin levels can also cause milk discharge from the breasts.
Can hyperprolactinemia go away on its own?
In some patients with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia, the high prolactin levels return to normal on their own. If this does not happen within a few months, symptomatic patients often receive treatment with cabergoline or bromocriptine.
Can you have hyperprolactinemia without a tumor?
“Patients with high prolactin levels who have few or no symptoms and no demonstrable pituitary tumor may not need treatment, but infertile or pregnant patients, and individuals with bothersome symptoms require specialized treatment depending on the cause of their condition,” Melmed said in a press release.
Which is the best treatment for hyperprolactinemia?
Accordingly, an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to management of this relatively common endocrine disorder is required. Practice guidelines are presented for diagnosis and treatment of patients with elevated prolactin levels. and managing prolactinomas in nonpregnant and pregnant subjects
What causes hyperprolactinemia in the pituitary gland?
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid—meaning the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone Other tumors and diseases affecting the pituitary gland, or radiation treatment for tumors on or near the pituitary Sometimes, no cause for hyperprolactinemia can be found. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia?
When do you know if you have hyperprolactinemia?
Hyperprolactinemia is usually defined as fasting levels of above 20 ng/ml in men and above 25 ng/ml in women[9] at least 2 hours after waking up. Unless the prolactin levels are markedly elevated, the investigation should be repeated before labeling the patient as hyperprolactinemic.
What is the medical term for elevated prolactin levels?
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition of elevated prolactin levels in blood which could be physiological, pathological, or idiopathic in origin. Similarly elevated prolactin levels could be associated with severe clinical manifestations on one side of the spectrum or be completely asymptomatic on the other side.