Understanding Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions

Learn about a wide range of hormonal, adrenal, thyroid, and metabolic conditions. Each article provides clear, concise information to help you better understand the causes, symptoms, and potential health impacts of these disorders.

Prolactinoma: A Common Pituitary Tumor Explained

What Is a Prolactinoma?

A prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland that produces excessive amounts of prolactin, a hormone responsible for regulating lactation, reproductive health, and menstrual function. It is the most common type of functioning pituitary adenoma and occurs more frequently in women but can also affect men.


What Causes It?

Prolactinomas arise from the lactotroph cells of the pituitary gland. In most cases, the cause is unknown, but genetic conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) may play a role in rare cases.


Symptoms

Symptoms vary based on sex and tumor size.

In women:

  • Irregular or absent menstrual periods
  • Infertility
  • Galactorrhea (milk discharge not related to childbirth or nursing)
  • Headaches and vision changes (especially with larger tumors)


In men:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased libido
  • Infertility
  • Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)
  • Headaches or vision changes


Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on:

  • Elevated serum prolactin levels
  • MRI of the pituitary gland to detect the size and location of the tumor
  • Additional hormone testing to assess other pituitary functions


Treatment

The first-line treatment is typically medication, especially dopamine agonists such as cabergoline or bromocriptine, which lower prolactin levels and often shrink the tumor. Surgery may be considered if medication is not effective or tolerated, or if the tumor causes visual loss due to compression. Radiation is rarely needed.


How Health Force One Helps

At Health Force One, we manage prolactinomas with a comprehensive, patient-centered approach. We provide access to:

  • Hormone testing and diagnostic imaging
  • Medication management, including monitoring for response and side effects
  • Patient education on reproductive and long-term health implications
  • Referral to specialists, including endocrinologists and neurosurgeons when needed
  • Ongoing support to track hormone levels and symptoms

 

References

  1. Melmed S, et al. (2022). Diagnosis and Treatment of Prolactinomas. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 18(3), 179–193. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-021-00593-9

  2. Fleseriu M, et al. (2020). Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 105(4): dgz136. https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgz136

  3. Molitch ME. (2023). Prolactinomas. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics, 52(1), 25–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecl.2022.10.003

  4. Colao A, et al. (2021). Medical Therapy of Prolactinomas: New Insights and Long-Term Outcomes. Pituitary, 24(3), 379–387. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11102-021-01137-4

  5. Cooper O, et al. (2021). Contemporary Management of Prolactinomas. Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 16(6), 429–440. https://doi.org/10.1080/17446651.2021.1981223