Pregnancy and pituitary adenomas

Minerva Endocrinol. 2016 Sep;41(3):341-50. Epub 2016 Mar 15.

Abstract

Infertility is frequent in patients harboring pituitary adenomas. The mechanisms involved include hypogonadism secondary to hormonal hypersecretion (prolactin, growth hormone and cortisol), stalk disconnection and pituitary damage. With the improvement of clinical and surgical treatment, pregnancy in women harboring pituitary adenomas turned into a reality. Pituitary hormonal hyper- and hyposecretion influences pregnancy outcomes, as well as pregnancy can interfere on pituitary tumors, especially in prolactinomas. We review literature about specific follow-up and management in pregnant women harboring prolactinomas, acromegaly, or Cushings disease and the impact of clinical and surgical treatment on each condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / drug therapy*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / drug therapy*