Prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas are noncancerous tumors that develop in the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland is responsible for producing and regulating various hormones that control various bodily functions.
Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas, also known as prolactinomas, are specifically characterized by the excessive production and secretion of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is primarily responsible for stimulating milk production in women after childbirth, but it also has various other functions in both men and women, such as regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining bone health.
The overproduction of prolactin by these tumors leads to a condition called hyperprolactinemia, in which the levels of prolactin in the blood are abnormally high. This can result in a range of symptoms, including irregular or absent menstruation, infertility, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, breast milk production in non-pregnant or non-nursing women (galactorrhea), and in rare cases, visual disturbances due to the compression of nearby optic nerves.
Treatment options for prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas usually involve medications that inhibit the production of prolactin or shrink the tumor, such as dopamine agonists. These medications effectively decrease the size of the tumor and normalize prolactin levels, alleviating the associated symptoms. In some cases, surgery or radiation therapy may be required if the tumor is particularly large or not responsive to medication. Regular monitoring and management are essential to ensure optimal hormone levels and overall well-being.
