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Patient Education - High Prolactin Levels and Prolactinomas Beyond The Basics PDF
Patient Education - High Prolactin Levels and Prolactinomas Beyond The Basics PDF
Author:
Peter J Snyder, MD
Section Editor:
David S Cooper, MD
Deputy Editor:
Kathryn A Martin, MD
Contributor Disclosures
The pituitary is a small gland in the middle of the head just below the
Prolactinomas occur in both men and women but are more commonly
diagnosed in women who are less than 50 years than in older women
or men.
SYMPTOMS
DIAGNOSIS OF PROLACTINOMA
The goals of treatment are to lower the level of prolactin in the blood
to normal and to decrease the size of a large adenoma, especially if it
is compressing surrounding structures. It is important that the clinician
and patient discuss the possible benefits and risks of treatment.
The rationale for estrogen treatment is that the only known harmful
effect of an elevated blood prolactin in a woman is decreased ovarian
function, including diminished secretion of estradiol. Estradiol doses
and regimen are discussed in a separate topic review. (See "Patient
education: Menopausal hormone therapy (Beyond the Basics)".)
During surgery, a small incision is made in the nose (figure 2). The
incision is extended through the sphenoid sinus, allowing the surgeon
to visualize and remove the adenoma. Most experienced pituitary
neurosurgeons now perform this procedure using an endoscope (a
thin, lighted tube with a camera).
The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or
five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These
articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who
prefer short, easy-to-read materials.
Causes of hyperprolactinemia
Causes, presentation, and evaluation of sellar masses
Clinical manifestations and evaluation of hyperprolactinemia
Management of lactotroph adenoma (prolactinoma) during pregnancy
Incidentally discovered sellar masses (pituitary incidentalomas)
Management of hyperprolactinemia
(www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html)
(http://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-
conditions/pituitary/hyperprolactinemia)
(www.pituitary.org)