Hyperprolactinemia, Page 2

Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia

These symptoms are also indicative of how hyperprolactinemia causes fertility problems...

  • Amenorrhea
  • Oligomenorrhea
  • Corpus luteum dysfunction
  • Headaches and visual difficulties
  • Loss of libido & sexual potency, in men
  • Lowered levels of LH and FSH
  • Symptoms of estrogen deficiency, (such as those of menopause -- hot flashes, dyspareunia), even in cases of normal estrogen production
  • Signs of increased levels of androgens in women

How is hyperprolactinemia diagnosed?

  • Basal prolactin level - can adequately be used to gauge pituitary tumor size and be followed over time
  • Serum FSH, LH, & estradiol - Usually low to normal in hyperprolactinemia
  • TSH - To rule out hypothyroidism
  • CT or MRI - To identify microadenomas
  • Visual field examination - In cases of macroadenomas (> than 10 mm diameter) or any patient electing med therapy or surveillance only

What is the treatment for hyperprolactinemia?

  • For patients with <100 ng/mL & normal CT/MRI or
    Patients with only microadenomas - Bromocriptine or unmedicated surveillance
  • Exogenous estrogen, in some cases, to combat low estrogen levels
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