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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSometimes, there may be no noticeable signs or symptoms from prolactinoma. When signs and symptoms are present, they may be caused by excessive prolactin in your blood (hyperprolactinemia) or, if the tumor is large, from the pressure of the tumor on surrounding tissues. Because elevated levels of the hormone prolactin cause disruption of the reproductive system (hypogonadism), some of the signs and symptoms of prolactinoma are unique for each sex.
In females
- Irregular menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea) or lack of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
- Milky discharge from the breasts (galactorrhea) when not pregnant or breast-feeding
- Painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness
In males
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Decreased body hair
- Uncommonly, enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)
In both sexes
- Low bone density
- Reduced hormone production by the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism) as a result of tumor pressure
- Loss of interest in sexual activity
- Headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Infertility
Women tend to notice signs and symptoms earlier than men do, when tumors are smaller in size, probably because they're alerted by missed or irregular menstrual periods. Men, on the other hand, tend to notice signs and symptoms later, when tumors are much larger and more likely to cause headache or vision problems.
When to see a doctor
If you develop signs and symptoms associated with prolactinoma, see your doctor to determine the cause.
- Prolactinoma. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/prolact/prolact.htm. Accessed Jan. 7, 2010.
- Schelchte JA. Prolactinoma. New England Journal of Medicine. 200;349:2035.
- Mancini T, et al. Hyperprolactemia and prolactinomas. Endocrinology Metabolism Clinics of North America. 2008;37:67.
- Melmed S, et al. Disorders of the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2876725. Accessed Jan. 7, 2010.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 20, 2010.
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