Pituitary Hyperprolactinemia
What is Pituitary Gland?
The pituitary is a small gland located in the brain. The hormones released by the pituitary regulate the functioning of endocrine glands (such as the thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal glands, and reproductive organs). It also produces hormones that stimulate the growth of bones and tissues, affect maturation, milk production, and childbirth.
Anatomically, the pituitary is divided into the anterior and posterior parts. They differ in the hormones they produce and their functions.
Anterior Pituitary Hormones and Their Functions:
Growth Hormone (GH): Stimulates growth and metabolism.
Prolactin (PRL): Promotes milk production during pregnancy and postpartum.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the key hormone during stress.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Controls the thyroid gland, whose hormones affect every cell and tissue in the body.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): An important hormone for reproduction, it stimulates ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Promotes the production of ovum in women and sperm in men.
Posterior Pituitary Hormones and Their Functions:
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Helps regulate water balance and arterial pressure.
Oxytocin (OXT): Facilitates childbirth and breastfeeding.
Hyperprolactinemia
Hyperprolactinemia refers to a higher-than-normal level of prolactin in the blood.
Physiologically, prolactin stimulates the growth of mammary glands during pregnancy and supports milk production after childbirth (lactation).
In men, it regulates testosterone levels, enhances the immune system, and affects mood and energy levels.
Causes:
Pituitary tumors (Prolactinoma - a benign tumor)
Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, and others)
Hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function)
Certain kidney or liver diseases
Severe stress or excessive physical activity
Main Symptoms:
In Women: Irregular menstrual cycles, breast discharge (except during lactation), infertility.
In Men: Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction.
General Symptoms: Headaches, vision problems (in case of large tumors).
Diagnosis:
Blood prolactin level measurement.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain.
Treatment:
Medications: Usually, medical treatment is sufficient and no additional intervention is required.
Surgery: Removal of the tumor in the brain if it is large, presses on the optic nerve, and/or the medication is ineffective.