Do I Have A Prolactinoma?

By: Aditi Ragunathan

Do I have a prolactinoma? Such is the question we are all likely to come across even though it is rarely heard in the minds of people. Despite its simplicity there is a spectrum of issues associated with getting a true answer for that query. A prolactinoma usually stems from benign brain tumours which are common yet rarely diagnosed. Without the proper screening tests it may well be lurking in our brains for years before us actually realizing its presence. Menstrual irregularities, reduced sexual activities are a few of the prominent symptoms seen when that misdiagnosis persists.

An Average Everyday In the form of benign tumours, it comprises about 90% of all pituitary adrenals and just 10% is expressed as tumour-like or malignant pathological findings. The tumours themselves usually present themselves by altering mental and physical capabilities of the person. Functional, yet painful, these tumours demand immediate medical attention. Unless the affected individual acknowledges the existing discomforts he may suffer from or be at risk from death in some case. Not only does excessive production of testicular hormones, prolactin, impact mental, physical functions but also hormonal functions.

All the hormonal signals including normal cortisol levels, let alone the production of sex hormones take a significant plunge with the occurrence of prolactinomas. Two hormones especially are notable here. With the decrease of sex hormone levels and prolactin levels, both testosterone and estradiol are lowered. Eventually the menstruation cycle gets disturbed in terms of both menstruation frequency along with the duration of the cycle too. Changes in the heart rate, irregular menstruation, headache, muscle soreness are normal findings within the list of associated symptoms when one isn't getting medically tested early. The stress goes by when certain victims turn complacent. One cannot deny the essential role testosterone plays in building protective buffer proteins and other metabolizing enzymes within the body. Moreover, life expectancy drops by a significant margin when high prolactin concentrations exist. Even though there are multiple treatment options including medications, surgical remedies, the prognosis itself remains quite phenomenal even with potentially serious consequences. An adverse reporting of symptoms without medical advice and suspicions of having prolactinosis shouldn't make one wait too long to reach out and seek help. After all they may find themselves lacking a better treatment when tests depict a genuine diagnosis of such mind-over-matter ailment.