Hyperprolactinemia: causes, symptoms and treatment

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What is hyperprolactinemia?

In the body of both men and women there is the hormone prolactin which has its respective functions.

In women, this hormone has a function to stimulate milk production and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Not only that, the hormone prolactin also plays a role in affecting reproductive function.

Quoted from Reproductive Facts, hyperprolactinemia is a condition when prolactin levels in the blood increase.

When experiencing it, there is a possibility that women experience fertility problems so that it is difficult to get pregnant.

What might happen is that your breasts start producing milk even though you are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Hyperprolactinemia can interfere with the production of other hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

As a result, this condition can affect ovulation and irregular menstruation.

How common is this condition?

Hyperprolactinemia generally occurs in one third of women who have problems with fertility.

For example, irregular menstruation even though there are no problems in the ovary area.

It should also be noted that some women who have this hyperprolactinemia condition do not experience any symptoms.

Hyperprolactinemia signs and symptoms

The symptoms experienced by men and women when experiencing hyperprolactinemia are arguably different.

It has been explained a little above that usually, the visible signs are changes in the menstrual cycle.

In addition, here are some symptoms of hyperprolactinemia in women, such as:

• Infertility or fertility problems
• The menstrual cycle stops
• Loss of sexual desire
• Pain in the breast area
• Abnormal milk production (galactorrhea)
• Experiencing vaginal dryness that leads to pain during intercourse

When should I see a doctor?

As has been explained a little, sometimes you don't recognize the symptoms when you are experiencing hyperprolactinemia.

If you experience irregular menstrual cycles for a long time or feel pain in the breast area, it never hurts to consult a doctor.

This is done to prevent the condition from worsening.

Causes of hyperprolactinemia

One of the most common causes of hyperprolactinemia is a tumor growth in the pituitary gland called a prolactinoma.

Tumors can produce high levels of prolactin. Usually, these tumors can be large or small and are usually benign so they don't cause cancer.

This cause of hyperprolactinemia is more common in women than in men.

Not only tumor growth, here are several other things that cause hyperprolactinemia, including:

• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
• Take medications for depression, psychosis, and high blood pressure.
• Taking certain herbal plant medicines.
• Irritation of the chest area from surgery, herpes, or even wearing a bra that's too tight.
• Stress or excessive exercise.
• Perform nipple stimulation.

It should also be noted, that about one third of cases of women who experience hyperprolactinemia do not experience the above causes.

Diagnosis

How is hyperprolactinemia diagnosed?

Diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia is based on the patient's symptoms and medical history.

Specialists will usually utilize certain technology and diagnostic methods, such as:

• Use of an MRI machine
• Blood draw
• Hormonal testing is more complex than fertility tests

Blood draw results

A blood test is a simple way to measure how high the amount of the hormone prolactin is in the body.

If the results on your prolactin level test are above 25 nanograms / milliliter, this is considered a mild increase.

This does not cause changes to the menstrual cycle. However, this condition can reduce fertility.

Prolactin levels that reach 50 to 100 nanograms, can cause irregular menstrual periods and reduce fertility.

When prolactin levels are at 100 nanograms, this can change the overall function of a woman's reproductive system, leading to menopause.

Results using MRI

When a prolactinoma is suspected, you will be advised to have an MRI.

Diagnosis using MRI is also made when on the second blood test, the prolactin hormone is still quite high.

This is a special machine to see certain body tissues. This includes seeing the size of how small or large the pituitary tumor is.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat hyperprolactinemia?

Treatment or treatment for hyperprolactinemia depends on what caused it.

Some people who have high prolactin levels but don't have any symptoms usually don't need treatment.

This is an exception if your doctor finds that you can still produce the hormone estrogen.

Here are some hyperprolactinemia treatments that can be done, including:

1. Given a prescription for drugs

It is possible that you will be prescribed medication as a way to lower the hormone prolactin.

The most commonly used drugs are bromocriptine and cabergoline.

The doctor will give a low dose of medicine first. Then, slowly increase the dose level (if needed) until the prolactin level returns to normal.

Treatment will continue until symptoms have subsided or you are pregnant.

Cabergoline

Cabergoline is a drug for hyperprolactinemia which has fewer side effects than bromycriptine.

Usually, this type of drug can lower prolactin levels more quickly. The dose needed is enough twice a week.

You need to be careful because this drug has side effects such as heart valve problems if consumed in high doses.

2. Operation and radiation

Surgery needs to be done if after taking medicines it is ineffective. In addition, this is also done when the tumor has affected vision.

Meanwhile, radiation procedures are also performed if surgery has not been able to treat hyperprolactinemia. Radiation is done as a way to shrink tumors.

Can women with hyperprolactinemia still get pregnant?

Most women with hyperprolactinemia respond very well to treatment.

That said, you shouldn't have any trouble getting pregnant once your prolactin levels have returned to normal.

However, keep in mind that pregnancy can occur if you don't have other fertility problems.