How hyperprolactinemia is diagnosed and treated

  A pathological condition in which serum prolactin levels persistently exceed the normal range during non-pregnancy and non-lactation is called hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin is mainly secreted by pituitary cells in human body, but it can also be synthesized by human chorionic villi and meconium after pregnancy. Its physiological functions are mainly to maintain and promote human reproductive function, and to participate in regulating metabolism and stimulating immune function.  The diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia can be made at least twice if the serum prolactin level is higher than normal, but since there are many causes of hyperprolactinemia and different treatment plans with different etiologies and prognosis, clinical judgment of the cause of hyperprolactinemia is particularly important.  A detailed clinical history (e.g., menstrual history, last pregnancy and postpartum breastfeeding; drug use; and whether there are headaches or visual abnormalities) should be taken to facilitate the initial determination of the cause of the disease.  II. Treatment Hyperprolactinemia is not terrible, even when combined with pituitary adenoma.  Dopamine agonists are the drugs of choice for the treatment of this disease. These drugs are fast-acting and very effective, and are commonly used as follows: 1. Bromocriptine: Dosage: 1.25 mg/dose twice a day at the beginning, taken during meals; can be increased to 2.5 mg/dose twice a day after three days as needed. In addition, bromocriptine can also be administered vaginally, which can reduce the gastrointestinal reaction, and is suitable for married women.  2.Ergot benzyl ester: The side effects are slight and it is used for those who cannot tolerate bromocriptine.  Dosage: start 4mg/day orally; increase to 8mg/day after one week according to the condition; 12mg/day after four weeks, divided into two doses. The extreme dose is 24mg/day.  Studies have found that bromocriptine can normalize menstruation in 80% of hyperprolactinemic women with non-neoplastic amenorrhea and has a good control effect on combined pituitary adenomas.  In hyperprolactinemia caused by hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome, the blood prolactin can be reduced after treatment of the original disease.