What are the complications of hyperprolactinemia?

Gynecological experts say that prolactin (PRL) is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. When the level in the blood is too high, it is called hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia is very harmful and can cause a variety of complications. So, what are the complications of hyperprolactinemia? Let me introduce them to you below.

Complications of hyperprolactinemia:

① Oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea: Menstruation may be normal at the beginning, but gradually becomes oligomenorrhea and even amenorrhea. Characteristics of amenorrhea: low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, disappearance of normal fluctuations, resulting in anovulation, no positive feedback caused by estrogen, no LH peak, and no response to clomiphene.

② Lactation: Non-postpartum lactation is a sign of hyperprolactinemia, accounting for about 1/3 to 2/3 of hyperprolactinemia. About 30% of cases are not accompanied by elevated prolactin and coexist with amenorrhea, which is often called "amenorrhea and lactation syndrome". If high prolactin, amenorrhea, and lactation coexist, 2/3 of the cases have pituitary tumors.

③ Infertility: High prolactin acts on the pituitary gland, inhibiting the secretion of FSH and LH. FSH is insufficient to mature the follicles, and LH is insufficient, so the LH peak cannot occur, so ovulation does not occur and infertility occurs. When the blood prolactin concentration increases, the prolactin level in the follicular fluid also increases, the estrogen level decreases, the granulosa cells decrease significantly, and the secretion of progesterone decreases, causing luteal insufficiency and leading to infertility or early pregnancy miscarriage.

④Others: If there is a pituitary tumor, it may cause headaches, decreased vision and visual field defects. Due to low estrogen levels, symptoms such as decreased libido, vaginal dryness, difficulty in sexual intercourse, and smaller breasts may appear.

The above is an introduction to the complications of hyperprolactinemia. I hope it will be helpful to you.