Hx
     Reproductive age-female with new amenorrhea
Sx (males & females)
     Visual field defects
     Headaches
Sx (in females)
     Amenorrhea
     Galactorrhea
Sx (in males)
     Hypogonadism
Workup
     Pelvic and breast exam
     Urine hCG
     Prolactin
     LH/FSH
     TSH
     MRI-brain
Tx (for both micro- and macroprolactinomas) is primarily medical
     Dopamine agonists (e.g. bromocriptine and cabergoline*)
          *a new drug that is more effective and has fewer side-effects than bromocriptine
          Medical tx results in
               Normalization of PRL levels
               Significant reduction in tumor size
     Surgery may be required for patients that don't respond to medical therapy
     Radiotherapy may be indicated for aggressive tumors that do not respond to medical and surgical therapy. 
          The response to radiotherapy is generally delayed, and there is a risk of development of panhypopituitarism.
See also: Pituitary tumors

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.