Prolactinoma
A prolactinoma is a pituitary tumour that produces excess prolactin. It can disrupt reproductive hormones, while a larger tumour may affect nearby visual pathways.
Key takeaways
- Irregular or absent periods, unexpected milk discharge, reduced libido, erectile difficulty or infertility can result from raised prolactin.
- Diagnosis uses repeat hormone testing, a medicine and health review, and usually pituitary imaging; other causes of raised prolactin must be excluded.
- Dopamine-agonist treatment can lower prolactin and shrink many tumours, but response, adverse effects and vision need monitoring.
Catalogue matches do not confirm a pituitary tumour or indicate a suitable treatment; an endocrinology assessment is required.
What does raised prolactin affect?
Excess prolactin suppresses reproductive hormone signalling. The effects differ by sex and may include cycle changes, low testosterone, reduced bone strength or fertility problems. Headache or peripheral-vision loss can occur with a larger mass.
How is treatment chosen?
Treatment depends on symptoms, tumour size, pregnancy plans and visual findings. Cabergoline is one dopamine agonist used to reduce prolactin. Blood tests and sometimes repeat imaging show whether the plan is working.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent assessment for sudden severe headache, new double vision, loss of peripheral vision, vomiting with visual symptoms, confusion or collapse.