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Hello omolayo,
Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates lactation, which is the formation of breast milk. The pituitary is a small gland located in the middle of the head, just below the brain. The pituitary gland contains lactotroph cells that produce prolactin.

Lactotroph adenomas are benign or non-cancerous tumors of the pituitary gland that cause higher than normal blood prolactin concentrations. The symptoms of lactotroph adenomas fall into into two categories. Symptoms can result from elevated blood prolactin levels or from the compression of surrounding tissues.

In women, elevated blood prolactin levels can interfere with the function of the ovaries in women who have not yet reached menopause. The secretion of estradiol,which is the main type of estrogen, decreases. Symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual periods,infertility, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and after several years, osteoporosis. High prolactin levels can also cause milk discharge from the breasts.

Large adenomas can cause symptoms by compressing structures in the head. Pressure on nerves to the eyes can impair vision, especially peripheral or side vision. Pressure on the pituitary gland can decrease production of the hormones that stimulate the thyroid gland and adrenal glands. This leads to underactivity of the thyroid and adrenal glands. The pressure can also cause headaches.

I hope that I have answered your question,

Maryann

March 29, 2012 - 4:47pm

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