title: [Hyperprolactinemia and prolactinemia--investigation and treatment].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prolactinoma represents the most commonly occurring hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma. The majority of prolactinomas are small, only rarely do we find larger prolactinomas, so-called macroadenomas. They are almost exclusively benign. The symptoms are mainly caused by elevated prolactin levels and result in changes to the reproductive and sexual function. In cases of macroprolactinomas, symptoms caused by local mass effects can be seen. A variety of other conditions may also cause hyperprolactinaemia; the goal of the examination is to identify the cause.
  
  
  METHODS
  We have reviewed recent literature and compared findings with current management of hyperprolactinaemia and prolactinoma in Norwegian university hospitals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The primary treatment is medical, intended to normalize prolactin levels, restore gonadal function, and reduce tumour size. With the new selective dopamine agonists, the treatment is often simple and efficient, but not all patients are in need of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Endokrinologisk seksjon Medisinsk avdeling Universitetssykehuset i Nord-Norge 9038 Tromsø. johan.svartberg@unn.no
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Svartberg
authors.forename: Sven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Carlsen
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cappelen
authors.forename: Sylvi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aanderud
authors.forename: Morten Lund
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Johansen
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schreiner
authors.forename: Tormod
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kollevold
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bakke
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bollerslev
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018491:Dopamine Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D015175:Prolactinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018491:Dopamine Agonists