Prolactin Flashcards
1
Q
What are the physiological reasons for raised prolactin?
A
Prolactin is raised during lactation, pregnancy, sex, and when stressed
2
Q
What inhibits the production of prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland?
A
Dopamine.
3
Q
Where is Prolactin produced? By which cells?
A
Prolactin is produced in the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland
4
Q
What are the signs and symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia in females?
A
• amenorrhoea • oligomenorrhoea • anovulatory cycles • galactorrhoea. They may also have infertility, hirsutism and reduced libido
5
Q
What are the s/s of hyperprolactinaemia in males?
A
reduced libido erectile dysfunction reduced beard growth gynaecomastia, galactorrhoea azoospermia
6
Q
Indirect effects of hypogonadism are?
A
Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis
7
Q
Why can primary hypothyroidism be a cause of hyperprolactinaemia?
A
Primary hypothyroidism cause an increase in TRH, which has a positive effect on stimulating prolactin secretion.
