Hyperprolactinaemia

Hyperprolactinaemia is an abnormally high concentration of prolactin in the blood. It can disrupt reproductive function and may result from pituitary disease, medication, or other causes.

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Prolactin: Prolactin is a pituitary hormone best known for stimulating milk production and influencing reproductive function. This hormone is elevated in the condition and mediates many of its effects.
Pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is an endocrine organ at the base of the brain that releases hormones under hypothalamic control. Most circulating prolactin is secreted by lactotroph cells in its anterior lobe.
Galactorrhea: Galactorrhea is milk-like breast secretion unrelated to normal breastfeeding or the postpartum period. Excess prolactin can stimulate milk production outside expected reproductive circumstances.
Pregnancy: Pregnancy is the period of development of an embryo and fetus in the uterus. Prolactin rises normally during pregnancy, so high levels do not alone establish disease.
Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that also inhibits prolactin secretion from pituitary lactotroph cells. Reduced dopamine signaling removes the main restraint on prolactin release.
Lactotroph: A lactotroph is an anterior pituitary cell that synthesizes and secretes prolactin. These cells are the direct source of prolactin excess in many cases.
Amenorrhea: Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods during a stage of life when they are expected. Prolactin excess may suppress reproductive hormones and stop menstruation.
Primary hypothyroidism: Primary hypothyroidism is inadequate thyroid hormone production caused by dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Increased thyrotropin-releasing hormone can raise prolactin, making thyroid testing relevant.
Hypothalamic–pituitary axis: The hypothalamic–pituitary axis is the signaling system through which the brain regulates pituitary hormone secretion. Its dopamine signals normally keep prolactin secretion under tonic inhibition.
Prolactinoma: A prolactinoma is a usually benign pituitary adenoma that secretes prolactin. It is a common pathological cause of persistent, marked prolactin elevation.