Question 1

What is Prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

Prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland that produces excessive amounts of the hormone prolactin. It is caused by abnormal cell growth in the pituitary gland that leads to overproduction of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. The Prolactin Blood Test is the most important test for diagnosing prolactinoma because it directly measures hormone levels in the blood.

Question 2

What causes prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

Prolactinoma is caused by abnormal cell growth in the pituitary gland that leads to tumor formation. These benign tumors develop when cells in the pituitary gland begin to multiply uncontrollably, creating a growth that produces excessive amounts of prolactin hormone. While the exact trigger for this cell growth is not fully understood, prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and affect both men and women, though they are more frequently diagnosed in women of reproductive age.

Question 3

What is the best test for prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

The Prolactin Blood Test is the most important test for prolactinoma because it directly measures the amount of prolactin hormone in your blood. Since prolactinomas produce excessive prolactin, significantly elevated levels (especially above 200 ng/mL) strongly indicate the presence of this pituitary tumor. This single blood test can confirm the diagnosis when combined with your symptoms. Your doctor may also order imaging tests like an MRI to visualize the tumor size and location, but the prolactin blood test remains the primary diagnostic tool and is essential for monitoring how well treatment is working.

Question 4

When should I get tested for prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained symptoms related to high prolactin levels. Women should seek testing if they have irregular or absent periods, unexpected breast milk production when not pregnant or breastfeeding, infertility, or decreased sex drive. Men should get tested if they notice erectile dysfunction, reduced facial or body hair, unexplained breast enlargement, or infertility. Anyone experiencing vision problems, persistent headaches, or symptoms of hormone imbalance should also consider testing, as larger tumors can press on surrounding brain tissue.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of prolactinoma differ between men and women due to prolactin's effects on reproductive hormones. Women typically notice irregular or missed menstrual periods, unexpected milk production from the breasts (galactorrhea), infertility, vaginal dryness, and decreased sex drive. Men often experience erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, decreased facial and body hair growth, breast enlargement, and infertility. Both sexes may develop headaches and vision problems if the tumor grows large enough to press on the optic nerves. Some people also experience fatigue, mood changes, and bone loss due to prolonged hormone imbalance.

Question 6

Who is at risk for prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

Prolactinomas can develop in anyone, but they are most commonly diagnosed in women between ages 20 and 40. Women are affected more frequently than men, though men tend to be diagnosed at older ages with larger tumors. People with a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a rare genetic condition, have increased risk. The condition is not related to lifestyle factors, diet, or environmental exposures. While anyone can develop a prolactinoma, the tumors are almost always benign and do not spread to other parts of the body.

Question 7

What happens if prolactinoma is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated prolactinoma can lead to serious complications affecting your fertility, bone health, and vision. Prolonged high prolactin levels suppress sex hormones, causing infertility in both men and women and potentially permanent reproductive dysfunction. Low estrogen in women and low testosterone in men can lead to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. Large tumors can continue growing and press on the optic nerves, potentially causing permanent vision loss. Women may experience ongoing menstrual irregularities, while men may develop progressive sexual dysfunction. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these complications and often shrink the tumor effectively.

Question 8

Can prolactinoma be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, prolactinoma can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures prolactin hormone levels. The Prolactin Blood Test is the primary diagnostic tool because prolactinomas directly produce excessive amounts of this hormone. Significantly elevated prolactin levels, especially above 200 ng/mL, strongly suggest a prolactinoma when other causes of high prolactin are ruled out. Your doctor will interpret results based on your symptoms and may order repeat testing to confirm levels, as prolactin can be temporarily elevated by stress, medications, or recent physical activity. Imaging tests like MRI may follow to visualize the tumor and determine its size.

Question 9

How is prolactinoma treated?

Accepted Answer

Prolactinoma is primarily treated with medications called dopamine agonists, such as cabergoline or bromocriptine, which reduce prolactin production and shrink the tumor. These medications are highly effective, with most patients seeing normalized prolactin levels and reduced tumor size within weeks to months of starting treatment. Treatment is usually long-term and requires regular monitoring with blood tests and periodic imaging. Surgery may be recommended for tumors that do not respond to medication, cause vision problems, or in cases where patients cannot tolerate medications. Radiation therapy is rarely needed and reserved for tumors that resist both medication and surgical treatment.

Question 10

How can I prevent prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

Prolactinoma cannot be prevented because it results from spontaneous cell changes in the pituitary gland that are not related to lifestyle, diet, or environmental factors. There are no known risk factors that can be modified to reduce your chances of developing this condition. However, early detection through prompt medical attention when symptoms appear can prevent complications. Regular health checkups and addressing symptoms like menstrual irregularities, unexpected milk production, or sexual dysfunction early can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment outcomes. If you have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, genetic counseling may be beneficial.

Question 11

What can I do at home for prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

While prolactinoma requires medical treatment, you can support your health at home by taking medications exactly as prescribed and tracking your symptoms. Keep a journal of menstrual cycles, headache patterns, or changes in vision to share with your doctor. Manage stress through relaxation techniques, as stress can temporarily elevate prolactin levels and make symptoms worse. Maintain bone health with calcium-rich foods and vitamin D supplementation, especially important if you have had prolonged hormone imbalance. Avoid medications that can raise prolactin levels, such as certain antipsychotics or anti-nausea drugs, unless prescribed by your doctor. Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests are essential for monitoring treatment effectiveness.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
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                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
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            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
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            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Prolactinoma Blood Test

What is Prolactinoma?

What causes prolactinoma?

What is the best test for prolactinoma?

When should I get tested for prolactinoma?

References

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