Hyperprolactinaemia

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Hyperprolactinaemia (pronounced: hi-per-pro-lact-in-e-me-a) is a medical condition characterized by an elevated level of the hormone prolactin in the blood. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hyper' meaning 'over', 'pro' meaning 'before', and 'laktos' meaning 'milk', referring to the hormone's primary function in lactation.

Causes

Hyperprolactinaemia can be caused by various factors, including pituitary adenomas, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and certain medications. It can also occur as a result of pregnancy or breastfeeding, as these conditions naturally increase prolactin levels.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hyperprolactinaemia can vary depending on the individual and the underlying cause. Common symptoms include galactorrhoea (abnormal milk production), menstrual irregularities, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. In men, hyperprolactinaemia can lead to gynecomastia (enlarged breasts) and decreased libido.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hyperprolactinaemia typically involves blood tests to measure prolactin levels. Additional tests may be performed to identify the underlying cause, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary gland or tests for thyroid function.

Treatment

Treatment for hyperprolactinaemia depends on the underlying cause. This may involve medication to lower prolactin levels, treatment of underlying conditions, or in some cases, surgery.

See also

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski