Prolactinomas

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• A prolactinoma is a tumor (lump) in your pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is an almond-shaped organ in your brain that makes and releases hormones such as prolactin. Hormones are special chemicals that flow through your blood and control functions of your organs and tissues. Prolactin is a hormone that helps the breasts of females make milk for breast-feeding. Abnormal genes may have caused a tumor to grow in your pituitary gland. Genes are little pieces of information that tell your body what to do or make.
  
  
• A prolactinoma may increase the level of prolactin in your body. When this happens, you may have problems getting your partner pregnant. Females may have an irregular or absent monthly period, and trouble getting pregnant. If your tumor grows very big, you may have headaches and trouble seeing. Blood tests, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done to find your tumor. You may need medicines to bring your prolactin level back to normal. You may need to have your tumor removed or made smaller through surgery or radiation therapy. Having your tumor treated may decrease your symptoms and stop damage to your brain tissues.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Dopamine agonists: Dopamine agonists can decrease the amount of prolactin in your body. Having just the right amount of prolactin will make your symptoms go away.
  
  
• Hormone replacement: Your caregiver may give you hormones after your radiation or surgery. You may have to take these hormones to correct the sudden changes in your hormone levels.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

You may need to have your prolactin level checked once a year. You may also need a MRI if your symptoms come back, or if your prolactin level remains high. Your caregiver may decrease or stop your medicines if your prolactin level goes back to normal.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have trouble getting or keeping an erection.
  
  
• Your menstrual period stops or becomes irregular.
  
  
• Your symptoms do not go away even with medicines.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a very bad headache and a stiff, painful neck.
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble seeing or a hard time moving your eyes from side to side.
  
  
• You suddenly have trouble thinking, remembering things, or moving parts of your body.
  
  
• You have a seizure (convulsion), or you faint.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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