What are the hazards of high prolactin levels at the age of 17

Elevated prolactin levels in 17-year-old adolescents may affect reproductive development and endocrine balance, with main hazards including menstrual disorders, abnormal breast development, sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, and pituitary tumor risk. The specific manifestations are closely related to hormone levels, duration, and underlying causes.

1. Menstrual disorders:

Female patients may experience amenorrhea or irregular menstrual cycles. Prolactin inhibits the release of gonadotropins, leading to suppression of ovarian function. Long term lack of intervention may affect future fertility. Typical manifestations include reduced menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual cycle, and even cessation of menstruation for more than 3 months.

2. Abnormal breast development:

Men may experience feminized breast development, while women may have non lactating galactorrhea. High prolactin stimulates the proliferation of mammary ductal epithelial cells, and about 30% of patients experience unilateral or bilateral nipple secretion of white fluid, which needs to be distinguished from physiological galactorrhea.

3. Sexual dysfunction:

Men may experience decreased libido and erectile dysfunction, while women may experience painful intercourse and vaginal dryness. Hormonal imbalance during the critical period of adolescent gonadal development may affect normal testicular or ovarian function, and some patients may experience delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics such as delayed growth of pubic and axillary hair.

4. Osteoporosis risk: Adolescent patients who have not received treatment for a long time may have lower bone density than their peers. The decrease in estrogen or testosterone levels directly affects osteoblast activity, increasing the risk of spinal and hip fractures by 2-3 times, with particular attention to the issue of insufficient bone mass accumulation during rapid growth.

3. Pituitary tumor risk: If

continues to increase, it is necessary to screen for pituitary microadenomas. About 40% of pathological hyperprolactinemia is caused by pituitary prolactinomas, and tumor compression may lead to headaches and visual impairment. Magnetic resonance imaging can detect space occupying lesions with a diameter greater than 3 millimeters.

It is recommended that adolescent patients have their serum prolactin levels rechecked every 3 months to avoid stimulating factors such as high-fat diet and staying up late. Daily intake of vitamin D rich foods such as soy products and deep-sea fish can be increased, and moderate weight-bearing exercises such as skipping rope and jogging can promote calcium absorption. If there is a change in vision or persistent headache, immediate pituitary imaging examination should be performed, and medication treatment should strictly follow the guidance of endocrinologists to adjust the dosage.