What is Prolactinoma?
A prolactinoma is the most common type of functioning pituitary tumor. It is considered a benign and noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland. prolactinoma leads to an increase in the production of a hormone called prolactin. Usually, both men and women have a low level of prolactin in their blood. It is responsible for breasts to growth, development, and milk production after babies birth.
A high level of prolactin due to prolactinoma in women usually lead to several signs and symptoms are that includes the following:
- Amenorrhoea
- Low libido due
- Vaginal dryness
- Infertility in some cases
- Galactorrhoea
In men symptoms are different and includes:
- Infertility due to a low sperm count.
- Milk production despite being rare.
The diagnose of prolactinoma is usually straightforward and non-invasive. The treating physician conducts blood tests to check the prolactin levels and a scan for the pituitary gland to check the size.
But it is very important to prepare the patient for the blood test as the stress from that needle may elevate the blood level of prolactin.
The management of prolactinoma is simple where treating physicians use some approved medications (dopamine agonists) like Cabergoline, Bromocriptine, and Quinagolide.
