Pituitary Tumors & Erectile Dysfunction
Pituitary tumors are unusual growths inside the pituitary gland, which largely controls the body's production of hormones. Some individuals with these tumors experience erectile dysfunction as a symptom of certain changes inside the pituitary gland.
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The Facts
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According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the pituitary gland produces hormones that exert a controlling influence on other structures in the endocrine (hormone) system. These structures include the testes, ovaries and the thyroid and adrenal glands.
Pituitary Tumors
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Most pituitary tumors are not cancerous, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, these growths may produce hormones on their own, creating imbalances that affect different parts of the body.
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Prolactinomas and Erectile Dysfunction
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Tumors that produce the hormone prolactin (prolactinomas) can trigger a condition called hypogonadism (low testosterone). Symptoms of hypogonadism include erectile dysfunction (impotence), along with infertility, lack of sexual interest and abnormal breast development (gynecomastia).
Medications
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The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library and the Mayo Clinic list several medications for relief of prolactinoma symptoms, including cabergoline (Dostinex), bromocriptine (Parlodel) and pergolide. These compounds achieve their effect by decreasing prolactin production and shrinking the tumor.
Considerations
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Women may also develop prolactinomas, with symptoms including milky breast discharge and irregular or nonexistent menstruation.
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