Prolactinoma

You might not have any symptoms from a prolactinoma. But in some men and women, their breasts may produce milk.

In women, an increase in prolactin can lower the level of estrogen. That can cause infertility, menstrual changes, and less desire to have sex.

In men, it can lower the level of testosterone. That can cause erection problems and less desire to have sex.

The tumor may cause a headache. And sometimes the tumor presses on the optic nerves, which are near the pituitary gland. This might cause vision problems.

A blood test will show if you have too much prolactin in your blood.

Your doctor also may do an MRI test. It can show if you have the tumor and how big it is.

Sometimes, no treatment is needed. If you have symptoms, your doctor may treat you with dopamine agonists. This medicine can shrink the tumor. It also may bring the level of prolactin back to normal. You may need to take this medicine for 2 years or more.

During and after treatment, you will get routine tests to check your hormone levels.

In some cases, surgery is done to remove the tumor. This may happen if you can't take the medicine or it doesn't work. Surgery also could be done if the tumor grows or causes problems like headaches or vision problems.