Hyperprolactinemia Treatment
in Lahore | Dr. Rizwan Niazi

What Is Hyperprolactinemia?

Hyperprolactinaemia is the medical term for abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is the pituitary hormone responsible for stimulating milk production after childbirth.

When prolactin levels are elevated outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, it suppresses the hormones needed for ovulation and normal menstrual function, leading to irregular periods, absent periods, infertility, and sometimes breast discharge.

The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a benign pituitary tumour. Other causes include medications, hypothyroidism, and hypothalamic dysfunction. The condition is almost always manageable with medication.

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Prolactinoma

A small benign pituitary gland tumour is the most common identifiable cause. Dopamine agonist medication shrinks the tumour and normalises prolactin in the majority of patients.

Medications

Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, antiemetics, metoclopramide, and certain antihypertensives raise prolactin as a side effect.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid raises TRH, which stimulates prolactin release. Treating hypothyroidism often resolves the prolactin elevation.

Idiopathic

In some cases, prolactin is elevated without a clearly identifiable cause. These patients are monitored and treated based on symptoms and prolactin levels.

Menstrual Problems

Suppression of LH and FSH by prolactin disrupts ovulation, causing irregular or absent periods in most affected women.

Infertility

Absent ovulation is a direct consequence of chronically elevated prolactin. Normalising prolactin restores ovulation and fertility in most patients.

Galactorrhea

Unexpected breast discharge occurs in many women with elevated prolactin, even without pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Reduced Libido and Mood

Low oestrogen resulting from prolactin suppression reduces sexual drive and contributes to low mood and fatigue.

Why See an Endocrinologist?

Hyperprolactinaemia is an endocrine condition requiring specialist management. The right dose of medication normalises prolactin, shrinks prolactinomas, and restores fertility without surgery.