Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia

While hyperprolactinemia does not pose a life-threatening risk, it can lead to infertility and other health problems. So, what are the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia that require treatment? Read on to find out. 

Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia

Prolactin, also known as the lactation hormone, is primarily responsible for the development of mammary glands within the breast tissue, milk production, and breastfeeding.

Its levels can rise above normal due to various factors, such as the presence of a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, or the use of certain medications. This condition is medically known as hyperprolactinemia.

Mild elevations in prolactin levels often do not cause noticeable symptoms or may result in very mild symptoms. However, significant increases in prolactin levels lead to more apparent symptoms that differ between men and women. Below are the key symptoms:

• Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia in Women

When prolactin levels rise in women, the following symptoms may occur:

1. Milky discharge from the nipples.
2. Irregular menstrual cycles.
3. Breast milk production when not pregnant or breastfeeding.
4. Vaginal dryness, which can cause pain during intercourse.
5. Reduced libido.
6. Fertility issues.
7. Headaches and vision problems.

• Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia in Men

In men, hyperprolactinemia can cause the following symptoms:

1. Erectile dysfunction.
2. Low testosterone levels.
3. Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia).
4. Milky nipple discharge.
5. Reduced muscle mass and body hair.
6. Headaches. 

Normal Prolactin Levels in Blood

Normal prolactin levels differ between men and women and vary for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Here are the normal ranges, and exceeding them may result in the symptoms mentioned earlier:

• Men: Less than 20 ng/mL.
• Women: Less than 25 ng/mL.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: 80 - 400 ng/mL. 

How is Hyperprolactinemia diagnosed?

If a patient exhibits symptoms of hyperprolactinemia, the doctor will conduct a physical exam and review the patient’s medical history. The next step is a blood test to measure prolactin levels. If elevated, the doctor may request further tests, such as:

• Blood tests to check for other hormone levels, like thyroid hormones, as hypothyroidism can sometimes cause hyperprolactinemia.
• A pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.
• MRI or CT scans to create detailed images of the pituitary gland and surrounding areas. Imaging tests help identify whether a prolactinoma (Prolactin-producing tumor) is causing hyperprolactinemia and determine its size and location. 

Blazma offers Prolactin level tests, which require fasting for several hours or can be conducted a few hours after waking up. Additionally, it provides other tests, such as thyroid function tests, that your doctor may request to diagnose the cause of hyperprolactinemia.