Prolactinoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When your body makes too much prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that normally triggers breast milk production after childbirth. Also known as hyperprolactinemia, this imbalance often comes from a harmless growth called a prolactinoma, a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland that overproduces prolactin. It’s the most common type of pituitary tumor, and while it’s not dangerous like cancer, it can mess with your hormones, sex drive, and even your vision if it grows large enough.

Prolactinoma affects women more often than men, especially those in their 30s and 40s. In women, it can cause irregular periods, trouble getting pregnant, or even milk leaking from the breasts when not nursing. Men might notice low libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced body hair. Both sexes can get headaches or vision problems if the tumor presses on nearby nerves. The good news? Most prolactinomas are small and respond well to medicine. Dopamine agonists, drugs like cabergoline and bromocriptine that mimic dopamine to shut down excess prolactin production are the first-line treatment and shrink the tumor in most cases. Surgery is rare and usually only needed if the tumor doesn’t respond or is pressing on the optic nerve.

What you won’t find in most doctor’s offices is how often prolactinoma gets misdiagnosed as stress, depression, or menopause. That’s why tracking symptoms over time matters—especially if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding but still have unexplained milk production or low testosterone. Blood tests for prolactin levels and an MRI of the brain are the real keys to diagnosis. And once you know it’s a prolactinoma, treatment is usually straightforward, safe, and effective. You don’t need to live with fatigue, mood swings, or sexual problems because no one thought to check your hormone levels.

Below, you’ll find real-world comparisons and patient-focused guides on how these tumors are managed, what medications work best, and how to spot warning signs before they become serious. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms yourself or helping someone who is, the information here cuts through the noise and gives you what actually works.