Prolactinoma: What It Is, How It Affects You, and What You Can Do

When your body makes too much prolactin, a hormone that triggers milk production and affects reproductive health. Also known as hyperprolactinemia, it’s often caused by a small, noncancerous growth in the pituitary gland called a prolactinoma, a benign tumor that overproduces prolactin. This isn’t just about milk—it’s about your hormones, your energy, your sex life, and your ability to get pregnant or maintain testosterone levels.

Prolactinoma doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms, especially in men. Some people feel fine until they notice low libido, erectile dysfunction, or missed periods. Others might have headaches or vision problems if the tumor presses on nearby nerves. Women may produce breast milk even if they’re not pregnant or nursing—a sign that’s hard to ignore. The good news? Most prolactinomas are small and respond well to treatment. dopamine agonists, medications like cabergoline and bromocriptine that mimic dopamine to reduce prolactin are the first-line fix. They shrink the tumor and bring hormone levels back to normal in most cases. Surgery or radiation are rare options, usually only if meds don’t work or the tumor is unusually large.

Prolactinoma doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s tied to other hormonal imbalances, like low estrogen or testosterone, and can be confused with thyroid issues or stress-related fatigue. That’s why accurate testing matters—blood tests for prolactin, MRI scans of the pituitary, and sometimes checking other hormones like TSH or estradiol. Many people live with this for years without knowing, thinking their symptoms are just aging, depression, or bad luck. But once you know it’s prolactinoma, treatment can turn things around fast.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just theory—it’s real-world guidance. From how prolactinoma affects fertility and bone health, to why some meds cause nausea and how to manage it, to what happens when you stop treatment too soon. These articles cut through the noise and give you clear, practical info on what to expect, what to ask your doctor, and how to stay in control of your health.