Prolactinomas are benign tumors of the pituitary gland. Neoplasms are usually hormonally active. They produce too much of the prolactin hormone. As practice shows, from all types of adenomas prolactinomas are found most often - in about 30% of cases. Women suffer from tumors more often than men.
What is the prolactinoma of the pituitary gland?
The specialists are actively studying this new formation. But while to find out why prolactinomas appear, it was not possible. There is a possibility that the problem is hereditary - many patients have been diagnosed with numerous genetic disorders. It remains only to find out which gene is responsible for the hereditary development of the tumor.
Symptoms of prolactinoma of the pituitary gland
In women, mostly small tumors occur - up to three millimeters. You can recognize the presence of prolactinoma by:
- reduction in the duration of menstruation or their complete absence;
- increased mammary glands;
- reducing the amount of hair on the face and body;
- acne ;
- galactorrhea;
- painful sexual acts (due to lack of natural lubrication);
- decreased libido;
- visual impairment;
- frequent severe headaches.
Treatment with prolactin of the pituitary gland
Therapy is selected individually. Almost always, treatment begins with taking medications that should reduce the amount of prolactin produced and eliminate the underlying symptoms. The most popular drugs are dopamine agonists:
- Cabergoline;
- Peritol;
- Lizard;
- Parilac;
- Bromocriptine;
- Ciroheptadine.
Consequences of prolactinoma of the pituitary gland
The most dangerous consequences of a tumor are the following:
- visual impairment;
- development of osteoporosis ;
- hormonal imbalance, which can provoke a growth hormone deficiency, progression of hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency.