Prolactinoma is a tumor in the pituitary gland that stimulates prolactin in the body and is one of the most frequent types of pituitary tumor. It is benign, or not cancerous. It occurs in women more than men and is fairly common, even though having symptoms is generally uncommon.
How Prolactinoma is Affected by Oral Contraceptives
There are some studies that have seen a rise in prolactin levels in those women that take oral contraceptives, however, it is not thought to contribute to prolactinoma development. It is harder to diagnose prolactinoma if the women are on oral contraception because oral contraception produces regular menses in women who may have irregular menstrual flow. The doctor may stop oral contraception in a woman to see if she is having absent, irregular, or heavy menstrual flow. Oral contraception can be took safely if the prolactinoma is treated with cabergoline or bromocriptine.
Prolactin Increases and Osteoporosis
Inadequate estrogen in the body is a risk factor for osteoporosis. During menopausal changes the dip in estrogen can put the woman at risk for the condition. Too much prolactin in the body, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia, can also cause dips in estrogen levels. After treating hyperprolactinemia, estrogen production can be restored but while there is still an estrogen loss, no matter how long or short the time period, a woman should increase their chances of not getting osteoporosis. This can be done by diet, exercise, not smoking, and by supplements. Have a bone density test is also a good idea.
Too much prolactin in the body, the hormone that stimulates breast milk production in pregnant women, can cause menstrual changes and infertility. It can also happen in men, where the key sign is erectile dysfunction. There are diagnostic testing and treatment options to rid the body of the tumor.
Source: The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service