The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Prolactinoma

A prolactin-secreting adenoma of the pituitary, the most common type of pituitary adenoma.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Endokrinoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Prolactinoma?

Prolactinoma is a benign tumor located in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland that secretes excessive prolactin. It is the most common type of functional pituitary adenoma (about 40%). Based on diameter, it is divided into microadenoma (<10 mm) and macroadenoma (≥10 mm).

In women, it is usually diagnosed at a young age as a microadenoma with complaints of menstrual irregularity, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and infertility. In men, it presents later and often as a macroadenoma with hypogonadism, loss of libido, headache, and visual loss findings.

Diagnosis is made with high prolactin level (>200 ng/mL diagnostic; in moderate elevations, hypothyroidism, drugs, pregnancy, and stress should be excluded) and pituitary MRI. Dopamine agonists (cabergoline, bromocriptine) are the gold standard in treatment, and most cases do not require surgery.

Symptoms

Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea in women
Galactorrhea (milk discharge from the breast)
Infertility
Loss of libido and impotence in men
Gynecomastia
Headache
Visual field defects (in macroadenoma)
Osteopenia and osteoporosis

Risk Factors

Young woman (20-35 years)
MEN 1 syndrome
Familial isolated pituitary adenoma
Estrogen use
Pituitary injury
Carney complex
McCune-Albright syndrome
Genetic mutations (AIP, MEN1)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Unexplained menstrual irregularity
  • Milk discharge without being pregnant
  • Infertility problems
  • Loss of libido and impotence in men
  • Persistent headache and visual disturbance
  • Osteoporosis at a young age

Treatment Methods

01
Cabergoline (0.25-1 mg twice weekly)
02
Bromocriptine as alternative
03
Medical therapy is usually sufficient in microadenoma
04
Transsphenoidal surgery in resistant cases
05
Discontinuation of dopamine agonist and observation in pregnancy
06
MRI follow-up after treatment in macroadenoma
07
Radiotherapy rarely in refractory cases
08
Treatment of accompanying hypopituitarism

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Endokrinoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.