- May 10, 2016
- Posted by: emobile
- Category: Trending Topic
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Emobileclinic Trending Topic: Hyperprolactinemia
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition characterized by excess prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production in a woman’s breasts. It is a disorder marked by the overproduction of prolactin (one of eight hormones produced by the pituitary gland) in both men and non-pregnant women. It is the most common form of overproduction of hormones by the pituitary.
The pituitary is a peanut-size organ located at the base of the brain and it is the most important gland in the body’s hormonal system. Prolactin induces milk production in women following birth, so the levels are high in pregnant women. Although the hormone is also present in small quantities in men and non-pregnant women, elevated levels in these individuals can signal a pituitary tumor and cause other serious problems, such as infertility.
Causes of Hyperprolactinemia
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Benign pituitary tumor (adenoma or prolactinoma) is the major cause of hyperprolactinemia
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High-dose estrogen like oral contraceptives
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Underactive thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
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Chronic kidney failure or cirrhosis
Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia
In women:
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Stoppage of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
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decreased menstrual flow (oligomenorrhea)
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abnormal production of breast milk when not breastfeeding (galactorrhea)
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excess facial hair (hirsutism)
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vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse
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infertility.
In men:
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Impotence
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infertility
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decreased libido and, rarely, enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) and galactorrhea
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decreased muscle mass and reduced body hair.