Prolactinoma
Endocrine Pathophysiology and Disorders
Prolactinoma
A prolactinoma is a pituitary tumor that secretes prolactin and can disrupt reproductive function through suppression of hypothalamic signaling.
Locate the disturbance
Primary disorders originate mainly in the peripheral gland, while secondary disorders usually involve pituitary regulation. Hormone resistance affects target responsiveness. The appropriate upstream response helps interpret the pattern, but illness, medicines and assay interference can complicate a simple model.
A distinction that matters
Elevated prolactin has multiple alternative causes, so the biochemical result alone does not establish this diagnosis.
Symptoms and paired measurements
Fatigue, weight change and poor performance are nonspecific. Endocrine evaluation connects symptoms, examination, appropriately selected tests and, where indicated, imaging or dynamic assessment. A single abnormal hormone does not independently establish the underlying diagnosis.
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