Hyperprolactinaemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
When your body makes too much hyperprolactinaemia, a condition where the hormone prolactin rises above normal levels. Also known as high prolactin, it can mess with your sex drive, menstrual cycle, and even cause milk to come out of your breasts—even if you’re not pregnant or nursing. This isn’t rare. It shows up in people with pituitary tumors, thyroid problems, or those taking certain meds like antidepressants or antipsychotics.
At the heart of this issue is prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that normally triggers milk production after childbirth. But when it’s too high, it doesn’t just affect moms—it disrupts estrogen and testosterone, leading to irregular periods, erectile dysfunction, or loss of interest in sex. A pituitary tumor, a noncancerous growth on the gland that controls hormone output is the most common cause, but stress, kidney failure, or even chest injuries can trigger it too. Some drugs, like risperidone or metoclopramide, are known to spike prolactin levels, which is why doctors check this when patients report sexual side effects.
Most people with mild hyperprolactinaemia don’t feel anything at first. But over time, untreated high prolactin can lead to bone thinning, infertility, or even vision problems if the tumor presses on nerves. The good news? It’s usually easy to fix. dopamine agonists, medications like cabergoline or bromocriptine that lower prolactin by mimicking brain signals work for most people. They shrink tumors, restore normal cycles, and bring libido back. Blood tests are simple, and imaging like an MRI can confirm if a tumor’s involved.
You’ll find real-life insights in the posts below—from how prednisone and clozapine can raise prolactin, to how thyroid issues and BPH meds tie into hormonal balance. Whether you’re dealing with unexplained milk production, trouble getting pregnant, or just want to understand why your doctor ordered a prolactin test, the info here cuts through the noise. No fluff. Just what works.
How Hyperprolactinaemia Affects Memory and Thinking
Sep, 28 2025