When a man has excess levels of the hormone proclactin in his blood, he is said to be suffering from hyperprolactinemia. The hormone, proclactin is normally produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is mainly associated with lactation process. The hormone leads to normal flow and development of the female breast during pregnancy.
Hyperprolactinemia occurs mainly in women. It’s usually seen as part of the normal changes that showcase in the female body during pregnancy and breastfeeding sessions. However, the case is quite abnormal when it occurs in men. It’s simply referred to as pituitary disorder when it occurs.
Causes of Hyperprolactinemia in Males
Pituitary Tumor: When the pituitary gland is compressed, it’s bound to have tumors. This leads to excess production of proclactin which results to hyperprolactinemia in the system of the individual involved. In most cases, hyperprolactinemia retards the action of the Gonadotripin releasing hormone (GnRH) which is very vital for the production of sperm. This condition can further lead to various complications in the system of the individual involved.
Psychological Causes: Hyperprolactinemia in males can also be as a result of various psychological causes. Mental stress and anxiety can cause several alterations in the body system of the individual involved.
The Use of Prescription Drugs: Prescription drugs when used can also lead to hyperprolactinemia in males. This is because; the secretion of proclactin is usually suppressed by dopamine which is the brain chemical. Prescription drugs have the ability to block the effect of dopamine in the pituitary gland. The drugs when used excessively can even deplete the dopamine level in the brain. This can lead to the excessive secretion of proclactin which results in hyperprolactinemia. Among the major prescription drugs that can lead to the condition include opiods, tranquilizers, antipsychotic, cancer drugs, and many others. The more you take them, the higher the chances of Hyperprolactinemia in your system.
Various Diseases: Some diseases can easily lead to hyperprolactinemia in males. Tumors in the pituitary gland can lead to the condition. Chronic renal failure can also lead to hyperprolactinemia. Other diseases that can lead to the condition include, hypothyroidism, carcinoma, bronchogenic, liver problems, kidney diseases and so on.
Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia in males
Men suffering from Hyperprolactinemia do experience several symptoms as follows.
Decreased libido: The individual begins to have less interest in sex.
Infertility: This is a case of impotence in men.
Erectile dysfunction: The individual may begin to experience little or no penile erections.
Gynecomastia: This refers to the enlargement of breast in males. Men who have such condition usually begin to develop breast like females. The condition can be very embarrassing most often.
Eye problems: This may be in the form of watery eyes.
Acute headaches: This can be very serious all through the session of the condition.
Dealing with Hyperprolactinemia in males
The best way to deal with hyperprolactinemia in males is through proper diagnosis. The individual involved has to visit a reliable medical doctor who will carry out the proper test as required. An x-ray may also be conducted around the bones surrounding the pituitary gland in the brain. This is very important for discovering pituitary tumors. Other scans may also be carried out for more clarity on the condition. In the recent time, Computer Tomography scan is used to view the pituitary gland for tumors that may lead to hyperprolactinemia.
It’s usually very important to visit your doctor when the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia begin to show. In fact, it’s always better to go for proper check up from time to time.
After the proper diagnosis, the treatment of the condition can commence. In most cases, the treatment consists of proper medications with dopamine agonists and other processes.
In all, hyperprolactinemia in males can be properly treated when discovered on time. However, the situation may become very difficult when certain organs get damaged in the body of the individual involved. Hence, it’s always very important to report any kind of symptoms to the doctor for timely treatment.