|
Headlines:
|
 |
Back to Endocrine Diseases
Hyperprolactinaemia
Hyperprolactinaemia is the term given to having too high levels of
prolactin in the blood. (Normal levels are less than 580 mIU/L for
women, and less than 450 mIU/L for men.)
Causes
One cause of hyperprolactinaemia is the presence of the biologically
inactive macroprolactin in the serum. This can show up as high
prolactin in some types of tests, but is asymptomatic. Another cause
of hyperprolactinaemia is a prolactinoma, a pituitary gland tumor.
Symptoms and signs
Hyperprolactinaemia is a common cause of menstrual problems in women,
and high levels of prolactin can cause gynecomastia (breast
enlargement) in men. It can also cause galactorrhea.
The hormone prolactin is downregulated by dopamine and is upregulated
by estrogen.
|
|
|
|
Are you a doctor or a nurse?
Do you want to join the Doctors Lounge online medical community?
Participate in editorial activities (publish, peer review, edit) and
give a helping hand to the largest online community of patients.
Click on the link below to see the requirements:
Doctors Lounge Membership
Application |
|
|
send
to a friend
printer
friendly version
