The pituitary gland is one of the most affected organs by hormonal and physiological changes during pregnancy. It can be enlarged normally during pregnancy which may mask the presence of small pituitary adenomas “benign tumors”. Along with increasing the likelihood of tumor growth, pituitary adenomas can cause problems because of the hormones they secrete, which impact both the mother and the fetus. Prolactinoma is a benign pituitary tumor that causes an increased release of the prolactin hormone and accounts for 50% of functioning “secretes hormones” pituitary gland tumors.
During pregnancy, the symptoms are usually due to increased tumor size.
Headache
Blurred vision
Decreased vision acuity
Seizures
Patients with small-size prolactinoma should be examined every 3 months for monitoring headaches and visual changes, while those with large-size prolactinoma should be examined monthly.
Visit your Diabetes and Endocrinology doctor if you had any new symptoms,
and always keep your Gynaecologist updated during follow-up visits
The exact cause of prolactinoma is unknown, but it may be related to genetic mutations.
Magnetic resonance imaging (a device that uses magnetic fields is used to get an image of the pituitary gland; it should be done without using contrast to be safe during pregnancy).
In the case of small prolactinoma, the medications should be stopped during pregnancy, while in the case of large ones which cause symptoms and increase in size the treatment options will be:
Medications: to decrease the tumor size and prolactin hormone secretion (ex: Cabergoline, Bromocriptine).
Surgery: a procedure to remove or decrease the size of the tumor.
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