What diseases or conditions can cause an elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia)?
One educational article, Faber KA: A pragmatic approach to evaluating, managing hyperprolactinemia. Obg Management 1998; June 1998:66-79, has pointed out the work-up algorithm for elevated prolactin. In a medical history, the doctor asks about any chest wall lesions, trauma, burns or breast surgery including breast implants. For some reason, any disturbance of the nerves of the chest wall can send a signal to the brain to increase prolactin production. Even an infection with herpes zoster (shingles) on the chest wall can produce this and even a spinal cord tumor or lesion. The second major factor a physician asks about is what medications a woman is taking. Several medications can cause prolactin elevation.What medications commonly cause an elevated prolactin? Although not a total list, medications known to cause elevated prolactin are: • amitriptyline (Elavil) • androgens (testosterone) • anesthetics (usually post surgical) • chlorpromazine (Thorazine) • cimetadine (Tagamet) • estroge
