Which of the following is a short-term consequence of hyperprolactinemia?

Which of the following is a short-term consequence of hyperprolactinemia?

• A. Weight gain and diabetes
• B. Menstrual irregularities only
• C. Galactorrhea, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities, sexual dysfunction
• D. Anxiety and insomnia

Answer: (C)

Hyperprolactinemia raises prolactin levels, which dampen the hypothalamic GnRH pulse, leading to reduced LH and FSH and thus lower estrogen or testosterone and disrupted gonadal function. Prolactin directly stimulates breast tissue, producing galactorrhea. This combination explains menstrual irregularities in women and sexual dysfunction in both sexes, and gynecomastia can occur from the hormonal imbalance. These effects tend to appear relatively soon after prolactin levels rise, making them short-term consequences. In contrast, weight gain and diabetes are not immediate results of high prolactin, and anxiety or insomnia are not typical direct effects of hyperprolactinemia.

Hyperprolactinemia raises prolactin levels, which dampen the hypothalamic GnRH pulse, leading to reduced LH and FSH and thus lower estrogen or testosterone and disrupted gonadal function. Prolactin directly stimulates breast tissue, producing galactorrhea. This combination explains menstrual irregularities in women and sexual dysfunction in both sexes, and gynecomastia can occur from the hormonal imbalance. These effects tend to appear relatively soon after prolactin levels rise, making them short-term consequences. In contrast, weight gain and diabetes are not immediate results of high prolactin, and anxiety or insomnia are not typical direct effects of hyperprolactinemia.