Specialities › Prolactin Disorders
High Prolactin Treatment in Ahmedabad
Prolactin is a pituitary hormone that helps produce breast milk. When its level is too high (Hyperprolactinaemia), it can disturb periods, fertility and sex drive in both women and men. Dr. Moxit Shah, DM Endocrinology, finds the cause and treats high Prolactin at Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Ahmedabad.
Symptoms of High Prolactin
- In women: irregular or missed periods, milk discharge from the breasts when not pregnant or breastfeeding (Galactorrhoea), difficulty getting pregnant, and vaginal dryness.
- In men: low sex drive, erection problems, low Testosterone, reduced sperm count, and sometimes breast enlargement.
- With a large Prolactinoma: headaches and loss of side vision.
Causes of High Prolactin
- Prolactinoma: a benign pituitary tumour, the most common tumour type that makes hormones.
- Medicines: some antipsychotics and antidepressants, and anti-vomiting medicines such as Metoclopramide and Domperidone.
- Hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (normal), and sometimes stress or nipple stimulation
- Macroprolactin: a harmless form of Prolactin that shows up on tests but causes no symptoms.
Diagnosis
A single mildly raised result should be repeated, ideally after resting quietly for 30 minutes. Further evaluation includes a pregnancy test in women, TSH, kidney function, a review of all medicines, testing for Macroprolactin when needed, and an MRI of the pituitary if the level is significantly high or there are headaches or vision changes.
Treatment
- Cabergoline (or Bromocriptine) tablets, usually taken once or twice a week, lower Prolactin and shrink Prolactinomas in most people.
- Changing or stopping the medicine that is raising Prolactin, when this can be done safely.
- Treating Hypothyroidism or other underlying causes.
- Surgery referral is rarely needed, mainly for tumours that do not respond to tablets or that threaten vision.
- Regular follow-up with Prolactin levels and, when needed, repeat MRI. Some people can stop treatment after Prolactin has stayed normal and the tumour has disappeared, under medical supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does stress cause high Prolactin?
Stress and a recent breast examination can raise Prolactin slightly, which is why a mildly high value is usually repeated. A persistently high value needs proper evaluation.
Can I get pregnant with high Prolactin?
High Prolactin can stop ovulation, but treatment usually restores it, and many women conceive after their Prolactin is brought to normal. Your doctor will advise you on how to manage treatment when you plan a pregnancy.
Is a Prolactinoma dangerous?
Prolactinomas are benign and usually respond very well to tablets. Large ones can press on the eye nerves, which is why early treatment and follow-up are important.
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Vishuddha Diabetes, Thyroid, Weight Loss Clinic, Elite Magnum, 104-105, Bhuyangdev Cross Road, Opp. Utsav Elegance, Vardhmannagar Society, Ghatlodiya, Memnagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380061. Call or WhatsApp +91 99799 92797. Open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM.