Hyperprolactinaeima

Question 1

What is Hyperprolactinaemia?

Answer 1

raised prolactin level

Question 2

Causes?

Answer 2

Idiopathic (no cause can be found)
Prolactinomas (hormone-secreting pituitary tumours)
Endocrine disorders, particularly hypothyroidism and polycystic ovarian syndrome
Medications, particularly dopamine antagonists (i.e., antipsychotic medications)

Question 3

What can people with hyperprolactinaemia present with?

Answer 3

Menstrual irregularities, particularly amenorrhoea (absent periods)
Reduced libido (low sex drive)
Erectile dysfunction (in men)
Gynaecomastia (in men)

Question 4

What is a prolactinoma?

Answer 4

Prolactinomas are tumours of the pituitary gland that secrete excessive prolactin. This may be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1, an autosomal dominant genetic condition.

Question 5

What are the two types if prolactinoma?

Answer 5

Microprolactinomas – smaller than 10 mm
Macroprolactinomas – larger than 10 mm