Prolactinomas are benign tumors that grow on the pituitary gland, a region of the brain that generates and secretes hormones. Prolactinoma tumor cells secrete a hormone called prolactin, a protein that plays a role in fertility and lactation. The...
According to the National Institute of Health, a prolactin pituitary tumor, otherwise known as a prolactinoma, is a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary that produces prolactin. The pituitary gland is located in the head and secretes hormones that...
Dopamine agonist therapy is used to treat the prolactinoma pituitary tumors. These tumors secrete the prolactin hormone, which normally stimulates the breasts to make milk. They can cause lactation and menstrual problems in women and enlarged...
The main function of dopamine secreted by the hypothalamus is to inhibit the secretion of prolactin from the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, states the Massachusetts General Hospital Neuroendocrine Clinical Center. Too much prolactin can...
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized organ within the brain. Despite its small size, the gland is involved in many important processes: it releases hormones that control other hormone-producing glands, while also producing hormones that directly...
Your pituitary gland resides in your brain, and is considered the "master gland" due to its crucial role in growth and development. Tumors in this gland will affect many functions in your body, particularly your hormone balance. Your prolactin...
Weight loss and weight gain rely on the balance of calories in, which are obtained through your diet, and calories out, which is the energy you burn throughout the day. Maintaining a healthy weight relies on a number of factors that balance your...
Estrogen is a type of steroid hormone-a molecule synthesized from cholesterol. Women produce estrogen in their ovaries, and men produce small amounts in their testes. Low estrogen levels can lead to a number of unpleasant side effects. A number of...
The breasts are made up of a series of structures called lobules, connected to the nipple by a series of ducts, and surrounded by fat and connective tissues. Lactation, the release of milk from the breast, occurs upon the maturation of cells...
Testosterone, an androgen male hormone, is present in both males and females. The testicles produce testosterone in men and the ovaries are in charge of female testosterone production. Testosterone is essential for the normal development of sex...
Prolactin, also called luteotropic hormone, is a hormone that signals to a number of tissues within the body. It belongs to a class of hormones known as peptide hormones, and it's main function is to facilitate breast milk production and...
With your doctor, identify any medication or supplement that could be causing the nipple problem known as galactorrhea, a milky fluid discharge. This discharge may be produced by your blood pressure medication, an antidepressant, a tranquilizer,...
The menstrual cycle involves the maturation and release of an egg from the ovary, a thickening of the uterine lining, breast growth in preparation for pregnancy, then a shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation if pregnancy fails to...
Prolactin is a hormone that is primarily involved in milk production and breast development. After you have a baby, your prolactin levels rise and cause your mammary glands to lactate, so you can breastfeed. Hyperprolactinemia is a condition...
Both men and women produce testosterone. This hormone is intrinsically connected to the sexual health, libido and development of secondary sexual characteristics in both men and women. Although testosterone levels fluctuate throughout life, they...
The breasts are hormonally regulated tissues with the primary function of lactation to feed the young. The breasts undergo tightly regulated developmental cycles throughout life that control the growth of milk ducts, secretion of milk and...
The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland at the base of the brain that generates and secretes a number of hormones. The gland is involved in a range of functions throughout the body, and plays a role in processes including fertility and sexual...
If you're pregnant or have recently given birth, you have a hormone circulating in your bloodstream called prolactin. It's important for two major functions, but your prolactin level can be decreased by a small but powerful molecule.
The breasts contain hormonally-responsive glandular tissue. Cells within this tissue sense the presence of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, and respond to these hormones by dividing and promoting breast development. Gynecomastia...
The endocrine system is made up of glands that release hormones that control growth, tissue function, metabolism, internal temperature and body development. These hormones also play a role in determining a person's mood. When endocrine diseases...
A number of hormones affect the reproductive tract. Getting pregnant requires that the delicate balance of hormones is intact; any disturbance in the hormone balance can result in menstrual difficulties that prevent pregnancy. The menstrual cycle...
Your doctor might order a testosterone test for a variety of reasons---whether you are a male or a female. It's important to have your doctor interpret your test results because the normal testosterone range will vary depending on your age and...
The pituitary gland produces growth hormone and aids in respiratory function, thyroid function, blood pressure regulation and breast milk production. It also regulates body temperature and helps metabolize food into energy. As with all components...
The pituitary gland is situated beneath the cerebral cortex. It releases hormones that control much of the body's metabolism. Pituitary tumors are usually benign, meaning non-cancerous. Their effects are caused by the hormones they release and by...
Dostinex, generically sold as cabergoline, is a medication used to stop the production and release the hormone prolactin in your pituitary gland, which is located in your brain. Dostinex can be also used to manage fertility problems, menstrual...
Abnormal lactation, also called galactorrhea, is milky nipple discharge that is usually not associated with normal milk production. It results from a number of medical conditions and medications and often goes away on its own. If abnormal...
The menstrual cycle is directed by a precise balance of hormones. Normally, an egg develops each month in the ovary and releases--a process called ovulation. Approximately two weeks after ovulation, menstrual bleeding begins as hormone levels drop...
If you have ever researched which prescription medications help with weight loss, you may have come across bromocriptine. Typically, a doctor prescribes bromocriptine for certain menstrual problems or to eliminate milk production in some women or...
There is no question that exercise is good for the body. However, in women who stop having monthly periods or stop having periods altogether (âamenorrheaâ) due to exercise, the amount that they are exercising is probably excessive. It...
