Prolactin is a hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland, along with growth hormone. These two hormones have different functions and therefore affect the body differently. The pituitary gland is located in the brain and can be affected by tumors which may induce it to overproduce certain hormones. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that pituitary tumors are the most common cause of excess prolactin and growth hormone in the body.
Functions
Growth hormone is responsible for regulating growth and development in the body. It stimulates the growth of muscles, bones and several organs in the body. Prolactin on the other hand is a hormone that stimulates production of breast milk in women after childbirth.
Effects of Growth Hormone Excess
Growth hormone producing pituitary tumors may lead to higher than normal levels of growth hormones in the body. If this happens, a condition known as gigantism occurs in children whose epiphyseal plates have not yet closed. Children who have gigantism grow to very large statures and develop long bones, which then translate to longer arms and legs. Excess growth hormones in adults cause acromegaly--a condition in which the bones thicken and grow wider, but not longer. Effects of acromegaly are coarse features, a large jaw, protruding jaw and thicker ribs.
Effects of Prolactin Excess
The Mayo Clinic says that overproduction of prolactin by a pituitary tumor can lower the amounts of sex hormones in men and women. Effects of this hormonal disorder in women are lack of or irregular periods along with production of breast milk in women who are not breast feeding.
In men, this condition can cause erectile dysfunction and low interest in sex. It can also lead to the development of enlarged breasts and a reduction in body hair.
Risk Factors
According to the Mayo Clinic, pituitary tumors can affect any age group, but it typically occurs in older adults. Also individuals that have certain genetic diseases in their families may be at risk for pituitary tumors. Multiple endocrine neoplasia, Type I is a genetic disease that increases a persons risk of developing a pituitary tumor.
Treatment
Prolactin secreting tumors are treated with medications like cabergoline and bromocriptin. They are taken orally to stop excess breast milk production, restore sex hormones to normal levels and restore menstrual periods in women. They also shrink the pituitary tumor. Bromocriptine is also used to reduce the level of growth hormone in the body. Surgical removal of both prolactin and growth hormone secreting pituitary tumors is another treatment option for pituitary tumors. It can be used in conjunction with radiation therapy.
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