What can be done to cure excessive prolactin

Elevated prolactin levels can be improved through medication, etiological treatment, lifestyle adjustments, regular check ups, and surgical interventions. Most patients can be effectively controlled through standardized treatment. Elevated prolactin levels may be caused by factors such as pituitary tumors, drug effects, hypothyroidism, breast stimulation, or chronic kidney failure.

1. Drug therapy:

Dopamine receptor agonists are the preferred drugs, such as bromocriptine, cabergoline, or quingolide, which can inhibit prolactin secretion. Medication should strictly follow the doctor's advice, and the initial small dose should be gradually adjusted. Common side effects include nausea and dizziness, which usually alleviate with prolonged medication time. Pregnant patients need to fully communicate medication plans with their doctors.

2. Etiological treatment:

Specific treatment is adopted for the primary cause. Hypothyroidism requires supplementation with levothyroxine; Drug initiators need to evaluate alternative medication options; Patients with chronic kidney failure need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation. A pituitary adenoma with a diameter greater than 10mm may compress the optic nerve, and a treatment plan should be developed based on imaging examinations.

3. Lifestyle adjustment:

Reduce breast stimulation, avoid excessive squeezing or frequent self inspection. Maintain a regular schedule and control your body mass index between 18.5-23.9. A high fiber diet helps with hormone metabolism, and it is recommended to consume 300-500 grams of vegetables per day. Choose moderate intensity aerobic exercise and accumulate at least 150 minutes per week.

4. Regular follow-up: During the initial stage of

treatment, serum prolactin levels should be rechecked every 2-3 months, and monitored every 6 months after stabilization. Patients with pituitary tumors need to undergo MRI examination annually to evaluate tumor changes. When female patients experience menstrual disorders or worsening galactorrhea, and male patients experience decreased sexual function, timely follow-up visits are necessary. Long term medication users are evaluated annually for cardiac ultrasound and valve function.

5. Surgical intervention:

For patients with drug-resistant pituitary tumors or persistent visual deterioration, transsphenoid sinus surgery is considered, with a postoperative relief rate of about 70-90%. Temporary diabetes insipidus or pituitary dysfunction may occur after surgery, requiring follow-up from the endocrinology department. Radiotherapy is suitable for residual or recurrent tumors after surgery, which may cause delayed reactions such as pituitary dysfunction. Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for regulating the endocrine system. It is recommended to increase the intake of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, which contain indole-3-methanol that helps with estrogen metabolism. Limit refined sugar and high-fat foods, with a daily intake of no more than 25 grams of added sugar. Regular exercise recommends low impact activities such as swimming and brisk walking to avoid stress reactions caused by excessive and vigorous exercise. Ensure 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep and avoid using electronic devices 1 hour before bedtime. Psychological stress management can be achieved through mindfulness meditation or breathing training, as long-term stress can stimulate cortisol secretion and affect prolactin levels. Women of childbearing age need to undergo a special evaluation before preparing for pregnancy, and some patients may experience pituitary tumor enlargement during pregnancy and need to be prevented in advance.