Mass screening for hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma in men

Abstract

To determine the incidence of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma without symptoms in men, the serum levels of prolactin were measured in 4803 men. Of these, 14 had hyperprolactinemia with prolactin level of over 50 ng/ml, and 3 had prolactin levels of more than 500 ng/ml. Of these 3 subjects, 2 were found to have pituitary prolactinoma by computed tomograph scanning and surgery, the other subject, who was highly suspected to have prolactinoma, refused further examinations. The serum prolactin levels of 51-100 ng/ml in 11 subjects may have been induced by drugs (sulpiride) or unknown factors. The present survey suggests that the incidence of prolactinoma in men in the general population might be estimated to be 1:1600, and that mass screening is useful for early diagnosis of asymptomatic prolactinoma.

Hormonal Causes of Male Sexual Dysfunctions and Their Management (Hyperprolactinemia, Thyroid Disorders, GH Disorders, and DHEA)

“…In addition, 1.5% of these patients had mild HPRL (MHPRL) (defined as PRL > 20 ng/mL or 420 mU/L but lower than 35 ng/mL or 735 mU/L). Though low, these figures are somewhat higher than the prevalence in the general population (SHPRL in 0.27% and pituitary tumors in 0.03% among over 13,000 Asian men) [25,26].…”

The prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia and association with markers of autoimmune thyroid disease in survivors of the Whickham Survey cohort

“…One study suggested that the prevalence of hyperprolactinaemia, defined as greater than 75 μg/l (approximately 1600 mU/l) was 1.2% in 2100 women and 0.2% in 8450 women aged 20 to 60 years ( Miyai et al ., 1986 ), and 0.1% women and 0.04% men had a prolactinoma following investigation by CT scan. A further study of 4803 men aged 19 to 82 years found 14 (0.3%) with hyperprolactinaemia as defined by serum prolactin greater than 50 μg/l (approximately 1060 mU/l) and three (0.06%) with prolactinomas (prolactin greater than 10 600 mU/l) ( Miyake et al ., 1988 ). The diagnosis in the man with a macroprolactinoma should have been suggested in retrospect by the history of headaches and visual symptoms and signs.…”

“…3%) with hyperprolactinaemia as defined by serum prolactin greater than 50 mg/l (approximately 1060 mU/l) and three (0 . 06%) with prolactinomas (prolactin greater than 10 600 mU/l) (Miyake et al, 1988). The diagnosis in the man with a macroprolactinoma should have been suggested in retrospect by the history of headaches and visual symptoms and signs.…”

Is Routine Hormonal Measurement Necessary in Initial Evaluation of Men With Erectile Dysfunction?

“…Inconsistent with this recommendation, some authors suggested that there are no specific clinical manifestations of hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia in men, and, therefore, routine hormonal evaluation is necessary in all men presenting with ED [4,11,15,17]. Miyake et al evaluated 4803 men and determined the incidence of hyperprolactinemia as 0.2% [17].…”

“…However, it is still controversial whether serum hormone levels should be routinely measured in all men who complain of erection problems. Hypotestosteronemia has been determined in 2.1 to 21% of men with sexual dysfunction, and 1 to 5% had hyperprolactinemia [2,7,10,13,15,17,22]. However, the incidence of hormonal abnormalities is unknown in healthy men.…”