If your doctor says you have high prolactin levels that won’t drop with medicine, surgery might be on the table. Hyperprolactinaemia often comes from a small pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma. Most people start with dopamine‑agonist pills because they’re cheap and work for many. But when meds cause side effects, don’t lower hormone levels enough, or the tumor is big, surgeons step in.
The first sign you might need an operation is a tumor that keeps growing despite medication. Large tumors can press on nearby nerves and cause vision problems, headaches, or hormonal imbalances beyond prolactin. If you’ve tried several drugs and still see high blood tests, your endocrinologist will likely refer you to a neurosurgeon.
Another trigger is intolerance to medication – things like nausea, dizziness, or low blood pressure that make daily pills impossible. In those cases, removing the tumor can be a faster way to bring prolactin back to normal and avoid long‑term side effects.
The most common approach is transsphenoidal surgery. The surgeon works through your nose, reaching the pituitary gland without opening your skull. It’s less invasive, leaves minimal scarring, and usually shortens hospital stay. A tiny camera helps guide instruments, so you’re awake under light sedation or fully asleep depending on the team.
During the operation, the doctor removes as much of the tumor as possible. Complete removal isn’t always needed; even shrinking the tumor can lower prolactin levels dramatically. The whole process typically lasts a couple of hours.
After you wake up, expect a brief stay in recovery – about 24 hours for monitoring hormone levels and any bleeding. Most people go home the next day. Keep your head elevated to reduce swelling and avoid heavy lifting for two weeks.
Watch out for signs of low sodium (headache, nausea, confusion) or sudden vision changes; call your doctor right away if they appear. Your endocrinologist will schedule blood tests a few days post‑op, then again in a month to see how prolactin is doing.
Even after successful surgery, some patients need low‑dose medication to keep hormones balanced. That’s normal and part of the long‑term plan. Regular MRI scans every year or two help catch any regrowth early.
Overall, pituitary surgery offers a solid chance to control hyperprolactinaemia when meds fall short. Talk with your health team about risks (like nosebleeds, temporary hormone shifts) and benefits so you can decide what’s best for you.
This article explores various treatment methods available for Hyperprolactinaemia, ranging from medications to possible surgical interventions. It aims to present an informative and human-friendly guide on addressing this hormone condition. Readers will find practical tips, interesting facts, and in-depth insights into the treatments available to manage and treat Hyperprolactinaemia effectively.
