Cabergolex®; Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia

Prolactin is a hormone produced from the pituitary gland. It helps stimulate and maintain breast milk production. Hyperprolactinemia describes an excess of this hormone in a person’s body. It’s normal to have this condition during pregnancy or when producing milk for breastfeeding. Certain conditions or use of specific medications, however, can cause hyperprolactinemia in anyone. The causes and effects of high prolactin levels vary depending on a person’s sex.

Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia can differ in men and women.
Symptoms in females:

• infertility
• irregular periods or pause in menstrual cycle
• vaginal dryness
• the production and discharge of breast milk

Symptoms in males:

• (abnormal breast growth (gynecomastia
• infertility
• erectile dysfunction
• loss of sexual desire

• Some common causes are:
• (Pituitary tumors (prolactinomas
• (Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• (Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS
• Infection, tumor, or trauma of the hypothalamus

To diagnose hyperprolactinemia, a doctor performs a blood test to check prolactin levels.

If prolactin levels are high, the doctor will test for other conditions. If they suspect a tumor, they may order an MRI scan to try to determine if a pituitary tumor is present.