When men have higher than normal levels of prolactin in their blood, it means that they suffer from a medical condition known as hyperprolactinemia. It occurs when the pituitary gland starts overproducing prolactin, which results in reduced levels of testosterone, a very important hormone. High prolactin levels aren’t life-threatening, but they cause infertility. That’s why men need to restore these levels to normal. Doctors usually prescribe medications or surgery to treat this condition.
Different Complications
In men, high prolactin levels cause the following complications:
- Reduced facial and body hair;
- Erectile dysfunction;
- Gynecomastia or enlarged breasts;
- Low bone density;
- Loss of interest in sex;
- Visual disturbances.
Main Causes
High prolactin levels can be caused by different factors, and it’s important to determine the main causes to treat this condition effectively. Hyperprolactinemia can be resulted by a tumor in the pituitary gland, the intake of medications, underactive thyroid gland, etc.
Available Treatment Options
The key goal of any treatment is to reduce prolactin levels in the blood. Male patients need to discuss possible risks and benefits with their physicians. If this condition is caused by large tumors, they require immediate treatment.
Most patients respond very well to the intake of specific medications known as dopamine agonists. If they don’t respond to this option or meds have caused severe side effects, doctors prescribe other treatments, including surgeries. They all are focused on:
- Returning prolactin to its normal blood levels;
- Restoring the normal functioning of the pituitary gland;
- Improving the quality of life.
To treat high prolactin levels, men have two types of dopamine agonists: bromocriptine and cabergoline. The first drug is quite effective when treating this condition, but it may cause unwanted side effects, such as dizziness and nasal stiffness. Men often buy Cabergoline Dostinex because it’s less likely to cause nausea, and this medicine is effective for treating patients resistant to bromocriptine. Finally, they have two types of surgery: transcranial and trans-sphenoidal.
