Hyperprolactinemia Treatment: Cause, Diagnosis and Cost ?

Hyperprolactinemia is when an excess amount of prolactin is available in a woman’s body, and she cannot get pregnant. Moreover, doctors commonly see hyperprolactinemia in women during their fertility years. Around a third of women with irregular periods & normal ovaries have hyperprolactinemia. However, When hyperprolactinemia causes, women might face trouble getting pregnant, or their breasts will start producing milk without pregnancy. This is known as galactorrhea. According to doctors, a large number of women with galactorrhea also have hyperprolactinemia.

High prolactin levels prevent the usual production of other hormones, like Estrogen & Progesterone. Because of this, sometimes the ovulation process may change or stop. Women can also face irregular or missed periods because of changes in hormones. Some women usually have a high level of prolactin without having any symptoms.

However, In men, high prolactin levels may cause Galactorrhea, Infertility, or impotence. Without the treatment of the cause, it may lead to having less semen count or no semen at all.

What are the Commonly Seen Causes of Hyperprolactinemia?

Here are some common causes:

• Hypothyroidism.
• Prolactinomas.
• Nipple Stimulation.
• Anxiety.

One of the usual causes of hyperprolactinemia is a lump on the pituitary gland called a prolactinoma. These tumors increase the levels of prolactin. These lumps can be large or small in size. Small lumps smaller than 1cm are known as macroprolactinomas & large lumps more than 1cm are called macroprolactinomas. Because of large lumps, problems like headaches, color vision deficiency, or both. Prolactinomas are more seen in women than men and hardly in children.

What are the Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia?

Symptoms can vary different person to person. Some of them are here below:

In women –

• Decrease in libido & having no periods.
• Infertility issue.
• Production of breast milk without pregnancy.
• Vaginal Dryness.

In Men –

• Erectile dysfunction.
• Gynecomastia.
• Decrease in muscle mass & body hairs.

How is Hyperprolactinemia Diagnosed?

A doctor will take a blood sample to find out the excess levels of prolactin. If the prolactin level is found higher, a doctor will do more tests to analyze the blood level of thyroid hormone, and Normally, thyroid hormones levels eliminate hypothyroidism. Doctors will also ask about other conditions and previous medical history. Fortunately, With the help of professional IVF experts, the best options for IVF tests and procedures are now accessible at the affordable & best IVF center in Jaipur. With advanced methods along with global level IVF procedures at a low cost.

Additionally, with an MRI machine that captures the image of body tissues, the Expert will do an MRI of the brain & pituitary gland if they find anything suspicious.

Questions to Ask your doctor

• What caused my hyperprolactinemia?
• What tests do I need?
• Options for treatment?
• Advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option?

What is the Hyperprolactinemia Treatment?

Treatment of hyperprolactinemia depends upon the cause. Some people have a high prolactin level but don’t have any symptoms and don’t need any surgeries. A doctor can treat that well with medicines.

Here are some of the treatments:

• Prescription medication dopamine boosters like Cabergoline & Bromocriptine helps to decrease the production of excess prolactin. The medication works well for most people having prolactinomas. A person has to take Cabergoline twice a week and Bromocriptine 2-3 times a day.
• Tumor surgery is a second option if medication is not effective. And a person is facing issues with their vision. Then, sometimes surgery is all-important to remove the access tumor.
• The radiation Process is the third process if medication or surgery doesn’t work in the past. The radiation process will help to shrink the tumor.

However, hypothyroidism is manageable with the help of synthetic thyroid hormones, which help reduce high prolactin levels to normal levels.

Can one still usually get pregnant with this condition if there is no other related cause to infertility?

Usually, prolactinomas respond very effectively to medicines & there is no trouble in conceiving when prolactin levels come back to normal. While testing for pregnancy, a doctor would stop medications for pregnancy.

How Much Does Hyperprolactinemia Treatment Cost?

For instance, the treatment cost depends upon various factors. Moreover, the Procedure cost can start from Rs.500 for thyroid hormone replacement up to Rs 50 lakh for tumor surgery.

In India, treatment and surgeries are very cost-effective compared to other healthcare countries that offer the same services. but in India, the cost of IVF & infertility treatments depends upon your preferred city and doctor for treatment.

• However, The medical healthcare costs for pituitary Tumors are lower than other medical tourism destinations like Belgium, France, and Germany.

Conclusion –

Hyperprolactinemia is a common disease, there is a variety of reasons that may occur to every age of people. Sometimes hyperprolactinemia may lead to infertility but requires tests and treatment for a long period.