Hyperprolactinemia

Overview

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition of elevated serum prolactin. Prolactin is a 198 amino acid protein (23-kD) produced in the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to enhance breast development during pregnancy and to induce lactation. However, prolactin also binds to specific receptors in the gonads, lymphoid cells, and liver. Secretion is pulsatile; it increases with sleep, stress, pregnancy, and chest wall stimulation or trauma, and therefore must be drawn after fasting. Normal fasting values are generally less than 30 ng/mL, depending on the individual laboratory

Symptoms

• Amenorrhea 
• Galactorrhea 
• Menstrual disorders 
• Decreased libido 
• Osteoporosis

Causes

Prolactinoma