What is prolactin and increases

Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which is located in a bony structure called Turkish chair and which is located at the base of the skull. Increased blood levels of this hormone is known as hyperprolactinemia.

This increase in the values of prolactin (PRL) to be treated to prevent the onset of symptoms that increase their leads. Basically, the increase is associated with the appearance of secresión milk (galactorrhea) or the suspension of the rules (amenorrhea). However galactorrhea occurs in only 50% of patients and menstrual disorders are more or less intensity depending on the concentrations of prolactin. With values equal to or greater than 50 ng / ml amenorrhea (suspension of the rule) is almost constant, whereas values between 25 and 50% usually accompanied by the presence of very sporadic rules (every 3 or 4 months). Both situations cause disruption of ovulation and of course impede fertility.

If a patient is left to long suspended rules brought about by increased prolactin, causing this decrease in levels of hormones such as estrogen and lead to further complications such as osteoporosis.

In some cases the elevation of prolactin is secondary to a prolactin-producing tumor, which generally respond well to medical treatment.

It is important to review the diagnosis of different causes of increased prolactin, as there are those of drug therapy, in which the administration of different drugs leads to increased prolactin and the only thing to do in these cases is to discontinue drug which caused this alteration, so that prolactin return to normal. There are also other causes that raise prolactin levels such as: herpes zoster, rib fractures, spinal cord injuries or breast surgery, the correction of these problems in a specific way will lead to the normalization of the prolactin

The medical treatment of increased prolactin values, is based on the administration of substances that cause the decrease of these values. The drug has been used over bromocriptine, which causes decreased blood concentrations of prolactin and get values of the decrease in the size of a tumor of the pituitary gland (prolactin secreting gland and is located at the base of the skull ).

During pregnancy the physiological growth of the gland is progressive, however, symptoms of complications of pituitary tumors can occur in any of the three quarters


The goals of treatment are:

     1. Normalizing prolactin levels and avoid the appearance of: menstrual disorders, secresión milk nipple, headache, etc..
     2. Restore fertility.
     3. To avoid the effects of declining estrogen.
     4. Prevent other hormonal deficiency of the pituitary gland
     5. Reduce tumor size.

The use of bromocriptine as every drug has side effects including: intolerance to medication, strength, medium-term use, neglect, prolonged treatment

 

 

Autor:

PRINT ARTICLE

MORE ARTICLES

HOME