What is hyperprolactinemia and what can be done to treat it?
Hyperprolactinemia is an elevation of prolactin levels in the blood that may appear more often in women with PCOS. The elevated levels may cause breast discharge and may contribute to irregular menses. In some cases it is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. The first step in diagnosis is usually a blood test, and elevated levels may indicate further investigation through MRI. If the tumor is large and pressing on adjacent brain structures, it may be removed and all problems are solved. A small tumor might be treated with medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel) or cabergoline (Dostinex which is also shown to improve uterine perfusion. Cabergoline is often tolerated better than Parlodel, and doses are taken less frequently.
Hyperprolactinemia is an elevation of prolactin levels in the blood that may appear more often in women with PCOS. The elevated levels may cause breast discharge and may contribute to irregular menses. In some cases it is caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland. The first step in diagnosis is usually a blood test, and elevated levels may indicate further investigation through MRI. If the tumor is large and pressing on adjacent brain structures, it may be removed and all problems are solved. A small tumor might be treated with medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel) or cabergoline (Dostinex — which is also shown to improve uterine perfusion. Cabergoline is often tolerated better than Parlodel, and doses are taken less frequently.
