Prolactinoma vs Hyperprolactinemia: What Is the Difference?

If you’ve ever been told that you have high prolactin levels, then you may have come across two words that sound similar but differ: hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma. Although both involve the excessive production of prolactin, they are different conditions.

Knowing the difference between these conditions isn’t just about knowing medical terms. Rather, it will help you understand how to differentiate between these conditions, the effective remedies, and prevent long-term consequences of prolactinoma and hyperprolactinemia. For instance, imagine experiencing unexpected lactation and missed periods, and then finding out that you have a prolactinoma. This type of scenario highlights the importance of recognizing symptoms early. First, let’s understand the terms.

This is a condition that is characterized by the presence of a benign tumor in the pituitary gland. Typically, prolactin is a hormone produced in both men and women, though with different functions. In women, it stimulates the production of breastmilk, while in men, it regulates testosterone levels and supports sperm production.

Prolactinoma is more common in certain individuals mostly women. While rare in men, it can cause vision issues and lower testosterone levels. Prolactinoma is due to tumors in the pituitary gland. These tumors can grow and press on parts of the gland, affecting hormone balance. This pressure can reduce the hormone dopamine from reaching the pituitary gland, which is needed to keep prolactin levels in check. Without enough dopamine, prolactin levels can rise and cause symptoms.

Although unexpected breast milk production may be the key symptom of prolactinoma, many people also experience cessation of menstrual periods. Women with prolactinomas often have low levels of estrogen, which can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Some women also have reduced libido and excessive hair growth on the face and body.

This is an endocrine condition that occurs due to increased production and presence of prolactin in the blood. It could be triggered by various risk factors. These include: hormonal imbalance, pregnancy, certain medications, stress, etc. The three hallmark features of hyperprolactinemia are lack of ovulation, absence of menstruation, and excessive milk production with or without stimulation.

Similar to prolactinoma, hyperprolactinemia can also occur in men. This can trigger erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia by suppressing testosterone and other androgens, leading to hormonal imbalance in men.

Key Differences Between Prolactinoma and Hyperprolactinemia

Prolactinoma	Hyperprolactinemia
·       A pituitary tumor which causes the overproduction of prolactin	·       An endocrine condition caused by the presence of excessive prolactin in the blood
·       One of the main causes of hyperprolactinemia	·       Hyperprolactinemia cannot cause prolactinoma
·       The symptoms include lack of ovulation and menstruation, excessive milk production, visual problems, headaches, etc	·       The symptoms include mainly anovulation, amenorrhea, galactorrhea and sometimes visual issues
·       The exact cause is unknown though a mutation in the pituitary gland can trigger the growth of tumour	·       Can be caused by various risk factors such as hormonal imbalance, breastfeeding, pregnancy, stress, tumor in the pituitary gland, etc

Prolactinoma is a benign tumor that is normally unproblematic.  However, when the tumor enlarges, it can trigger the onset of hyperprolactinemia and affect other organs in the body. Therefore, it is essential to monitor prolactin levels, especially if you notice any of the symptoms of this condition.

On the other hand, hyperprolactinemia, which could be caused by several risk factors, can be managed depending on the underlying cause. If it is due to hormonal imbalance or previous pregnancy, use of NATURE’SFIELD VITEX CHASTEBERRY will help get your hormones back on track. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can also assist in managing symptoms. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if prescription medications or other treatments are necessary.

High prolactin levels can impact your daily life beyond fertility when you dont control it. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the importance of monitoring your menstrual and ovulatory cycle so you can detect profound changes on time and seek solutions. Your hormones can be out of balance without your knowledge because of the different stages in life, which is unavoidable. Therefore, get NATURE’SFIELD VITEX CHASTEBERRY and have your hormones under control without stress.