Endocrine
Medicines for Prolactinoma
A common, non-cancerous pituitary tumour that produces too much of the hormone prolactin, affecting periods, fertility and sometimes vision — usually well controlled with medicines.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Prolactinoma?
A prolactinoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain that produces too much of the hormone prolactin. It is the most common type of hormone-producing pituitary tumour.
- How it is treated: Most prolactinomas are treated effectively with medicines (dopamine agonist tablets) that lower prolactin, shrink the tumour, and restore normal hormone function, periods and fertility for many people.
- Self-care: Taking prescribed medicine consistently, attending monitoring blood tests and scans, and reporting new headaches or vision changes all support treatment.
- When to seek help: See a GP about irregular or absent periods, unexplained breast milk production, reduced sex drive or fertility problems, for assessment.
What it is
A prolactinoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain that produces too much of the hormone prolactin. It is the most common type of hormone-producing pituitary tumour. Raised prolactin can cause irregular or absent periods and difficulty conceiving in women, milk-like discharge from the breasts, reduced sex drive, and in men reduced testosterone with erectile difficulties and, sometimes, breast enlargement. Larger tumours can press on nearby structures and cause headaches or affect vision. It is diagnosed with a blood test for prolactin (after excluding other causes of a raised level) and an MRI scan of the pituitary. Most prolactinomas respond very well to treatment.
How it is treated
Most prolactinomas are treated effectively with medicines (dopamine agonist tablets) that lower prolactin, shrink the tumour, and restore normal hormone function, periods and fertility for many people. Treatment is monitored with blood tests and scans, and can often eventually be reduced or stopped in some people. Surgery is needed less commonly — for example if medicines are not tolerated or effective, or in certain situations — and radiotherapy is occasionally used. Vision is monitored if the tumour is large. Care is guided by an endocrinologist, often with a pituitary specialist team, and outcomes are generally very good.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Prolactinoma
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Taking prescribed medicine consistently, attending monitoring blood tests and scans, and reporting new headaches or vision changes all support treatment. There are no specific lifestyle causes to change, but general wellbeing helps.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP about irregular or absent periods, unexplained breast milk production, reduced sex drive or fertility problems, for assessment. Seek prompt care for persistent headaches with vision changes.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Prolactinoma: frequently asked questions
Is a prolactinoma cancer?
No — it is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour of the pituitary gland. It causes problems by producing too much prolactin and, if large, by pressing on nearby structures, but it does not spread.
How is a prolactinoma treated?
Most are treated very effectively with tablets that lower prolactin and shrink the tumour, restoring normal hormone levels and often fertility. Surgery is needed less commonly.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Prolactinoma
- Society for Endocrinology guidance
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