It’s also known as PRL or lactogenic hormone. Low levels of some body hormones such as cortisol, thyroid hormone, and sex hormones cause symptoms. The first signs of a pituitary adenoma often depend on whether the tumor is Pituitary macroadenomas (benign tumors larger than 1 cm) and carcinomas (cancers), whether functional or not, can be large enough to press on nearby nerves or parts of the brain. This can lead to symptoms such as:Vision problems occur when the tumor “pinches” the nerves that run between the eyes and the brain.

These effects are quite different in children and adults.In adults, the long bones (especially in the arms and legs) can’t grow any more, even when GH levels are very high. Psychiatric drugs such as risperidone and haloperidol can increase your levels. Children with Cushing’s disease may also stop growing and have problems with school performance.Prolactinomas are most common in young women and older men.If the tumor continues to grow, it can press on nearby nerves and parts of the brain, which can cause headaches and vision problems.In females who don’t have periods (such as girls before puberty and women after menopause), prolactinomas might not be noticed until they cause these symptoms.These rare tumors make too much thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which then causes the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone.
Accessed at www.cancer.gov/types/pituitary/patient/pituitary-treatment-pdq on October 16, 2017.American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material.

But when they do, they can cause many different types of symptoms. Symptoms of prolactinoma in men include:A prolactin test is just like a blood test. A test for levels of other hormones produced from the pituitary gland will also need to be carried out. Prolactin causes breasts to grow and develop and causes milk to be made after a baby is born. JAMA. This can cause the ovaries to release eggs irregularly or stop altogether. You may feel faint or lightheaded.In rare cases, the vein can become inflamed after the test, in a condition known as phlebitis.

Talk to your doctor about cabergoline if you face severe side effects from other treatments, including bromocriptine.Not everyone’s prolactin levels will respond well to dopamine agonists. Infertility caused by high prolactin levels can be reversed once prolactin levels return to normal. This can cause irregular menstrual periods in women or low testosterone levels and decreased interest in sex in men.Many gonadotropin-secreting adenomas actually don’t make enough hormones to cause symptoms, so they are basically non-functional adenomas. They can also shrink prolactinoma tumors.Your doctor may recommend that you take cabergoline. Metoclopramide can also raise your prolactin levels. Avoid eating anything with these ingredients if you find out you have high prolactin levels.In some cases, high prolactin levels can lead to infertility. How the Test Is Done It plays an important role in both male and female reproductive health. Diagnosis and Treatment of Pituitary Adenomas: A Review. Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. There’s very little pain. Also, if you’re taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin, tell your doctor before the test is performed.Your doctor will assess whether your results are normal based on many factors, including your general health.
High levels of prolactin are normal during pregnancy and after childbirth during nursing.

These tumors may grow large enough to cause symptoms such as headaches and vision problems before they are found. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The specific function of prolactin in men is not well-known. High prolactin levels can also cause abnormal breast milk production, called galactorrhea. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. However, don’t stop taking your medication until you’re told to do so.Prolactinoma and hyperprolactinemia are not life-threatening. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Low levels of testosterone and high levels of prolactin--a hormone responsible for breast milk production--may cause this problem. Become a volunteer, make a tax-deductible donation, or participate in a fundraising event to help us save lives.The American Cancer Society couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partners. So they don’t grow taller and develop gigantism. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. All rights reserved. Learn more about these partnerships and how you too can join us in our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. The sample is typically collected three to four hours after waking up in the morning.