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Prolactinemia

Meaning

Prolactinemia is the clinical condition characterized by an abnormally elevated concentration of the pituitary hormone prolactin in the circulating bloodstream, a state formally known as hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin is primarily responsible for stimulating lactation, but excessive levels outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding can pathologically disrupt the delicate hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This disruption frequently leads to clinical manifestations such as menstrual cycle irregularities, infertility, galactorrhea, and diminished libido in both men and women. The condition necessitates thorough endocrine investigation to determine the underlying etiology.