Pituitary Gland Set 10

How many hormones does the pituitary gland produce?

8

\# of Anterior lobe hormones

6

\# of Posterior lobe hormones

2

Where is the pituitary gland?

sella turcica

What happens if the *Optic Chiasm* in the pituitary gland is compressed?

Pituitary gland adenoma

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*Field of vision defects*

What is **Prolactin** essential for?

Lactation

What happens to the levels of **Prolactin** during pregnancy?

◦Increases during pregnancy

◦peak level at term

Cause of **Hyperprolactinemia**

Increased prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland

What’s the most common abnormality associated with pituitary adenomas?

Hyperprolactinemia

How is prolactinomas associated with amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea is the loss of normal periods.

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It is caused by the interference of prolactin on the normal fluctuation of %%__LHRH__%%

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Higher prolactin = greater likelihood of amenorrhea

Hyperprolactinemia affects which age group primarily?

Affects premenopausal women, does not affect post.

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In premenopausal women the release of __GnRH__ is inhibited.

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Hypogonadism is an associated synonym

If someone has Galacctorrhea can their prolactin levels be normal?

Yes

Symptoms associated with hypogonadism?

Infertility, oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea

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*rare galactorrhea*

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> 15 ng/mL

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What kind of prolactin level is this?

High for women at a reproductive age

> 100 ng/mL

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What kind of prolactin level is this?

Typically associated with overt hypogonadism

20- 50 ng/mL

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Is someone has this prolactin level what does it mean?

Mildly increased result

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Can cause infertility even if there is no abnormality of the menstrual cycle

What other endocrine disorder can cause hyperprolactinemia?

Primary hypothyroidism

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Increases TRH (thyroid releasing hormone) by the hypothalamus

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TFH stimulates prolactin (and TSH) release.

When would prolactin be measured?

Measure prolactin in all with fertility problems or galactorrhea

Explain these prolactin lab results:

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Normal levels of prolactin

What prolactin level is indicative of an adenoma?

> 100

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> 300 is virtually diagnostic

Why is prolactin important in pregnancy?

Without prolactin there will not be any milk production