prolactinoma
Quick Summary
A prolactinoma is a type of pituitary tumor that secretes the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is a protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a role in milk production in mammals.12
In women, excess prolactin from a prolactinoma can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and abnormal lactation (galactorrhea). In men, it can cause decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. These tumors are the most common type of hormone-secreting pituitary tumor and are more frequent in women, though they tend to be larger in men at diagnosis.12
Treatment typically involves dopamine agonist drugs, which reduce prolactin secretion and tumor size. Surgery or radiation therapy may be used if drugs are ineffective or cause side effects.12
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- prolactinProlactin deficiency and excess
Prolactinomas are the most common type of hormone-secreting pituitary tumour. They are four to five times more common in women than in men. However, prolactinomas tend to be larger in men at the time of diagnosis. This difference is explained by the fact that menstrual…
Read MoreProlactinomas are the most common type of hormone-secreting pituitary tumour. They are four to five times more common in women than in men. However, prolactinomas tend to be larger in men at the time of diagnosis. This difference is explained by the fact that menstrual…
Read More - pituitary tumour
Patients with prolactinomas, including those with visual symptoms from the tumour, are usually treated with dopamine agonist drugs such as bromocriptine and cabergoline. These drugs effectively decrease prolactin secretion and tumour size. In addition to surgery, patients with somatotroph adenomas can be treated with analogs of the…
Read MorePatients with prolactinomas, including those with visual symptoms from the tumour, are usually treated with dopamine agonist drugs such as bromocriptine and cabergoline. These drugs effectively decrease prolactin secretion and tumour size. In addition to surgery, patients with somatotroph adenomas can be treated with analogs of the…
Read More