What are the dangers of untreated hyperprolactinemia?

Medically speaking, elevated prolactin levels in female breasts are a pathological manifestation, which is clinically called hyperprolactinemia. This disease is mostly caused by the stimulation of peptides, and after the onset of the disease, the prolactin level in the patient's blood will continue to rise. So what are the dangers of not treating hyperprolactinemia? Below, we will introduce the dangers of not treating hyperprolactinemia.

1. Leading to oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea in women: Initial menstruation may be normal, but gradually changes to oligomenorrhea and even amenorrhea. The characteristics of amenorrhea are low luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, disappearance of normal fluctuations, and anovulation. Estrogen cannot cause positive feedback, no LH peak occurs, and no response to clomiphene.

2. Leading to female infertility: high prolactin acts on the pituitary gland to inhibit the secretion of FSH and LH. FSH is insufficient to mature the follicles. LH is insufficient and the LH peak cannot occur, so ovulation does not occur, leading to infertility. When the prolactin concentration in the blood increases, the prolactin level in the follicular fluid also increases. The estrogen level decreases, and the granulosa cells are significantly reduced, and the secretion of progesterone is reduced, causing luteal insufficiency, resulting in infertility or early pregnancy miscarriage.

3. Changes in sexual function: This is related to the suppression of sex hormones in the body, resulting in a low estrogen state, which is manifested as thinning and atrophy of the vaginal wall, reduced secretions, and decreased libido.

4. Breast lactation: This is one of the characteristics of hyperprolactinemia. It is usually manifested as non-bloody milky white or transparent liquid flowing out of or being squeezed out of both breasts.

5. Others: hirsutism, acne, obesity, etc. are also very common. In addition, obesity is also one of the predisposing factors of hyperprolactinemia. Some patients show papilledema and visual field defects, which are caused by pituitary adenoma invading and compressing the optic chiasm.