Hyperprolactinemia and prolactinomas

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2008 Mar;37(1):67-99, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2007.10.013.

Abstract

Any process interfering with dopamine synthesis, its transport to the pituitary gland, or its action at the level of lactotroph dopamine receptors can cause hyperprolactinemia. As described in this article, considering the complexity of prolactin regulation, many factors could cause hyperprolactinemia, and hyperprolactinemia can have clinical effects not only on the reproductive axis. Once any drug effects are excluded, prolactinomas are the most common cause of hyperprolactinemia. The most frequent symptom is hypogonadism in both genders. Medical and surgical therapies generally have excellent results, and most prolactinomas are well controlled or even cured in some cases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bromocriptine / therapeutic use
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Ergolines / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / diagnosis
  • Hyperprolactinemia / pathology*
  • Hyperprolactinemia / therapy
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / therapy
  • Prolactinoma / diagnosis
  • Prolactinoma / pathology*
  • Prolactinoma / therapy

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Ergolines
  • Bromocriptine