From the Research
Yes, pituitary adenomas can cause polycystic ovaries, particularly when they produce excess prolactin (prolactinomas) or growth hormone. Elevated prolactin levels disrupt normal gonadotropin secretion, leading to irregular ovulation and the development of multiple ovarian follicles that fail to mature properly, resulting in polycystic ovaries. This condition is different from primary polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) but can present with similar symptoms including irregular periods, infertility, and hormonal imbalances. Some key points to consider include:
- The prevalence of pituitary adenomas and their potential to cause hormonal imbalances, as noted in studies such as 1
- The importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent long-term complications, as discussed in 2
- The role of prolactinomas in disrupting ovarian function, as highlighted in 3 Treatment typically focuses on addressing the pituitary tumor, often with medications like cabergoline or bromocriptine for prolactinomas, at doses starting at 0.25mg twice weekly for cabergoline or 1.25-2.5mg daily for bromocriptine, gradually increasing as needed, as recommended in 1. Successful treatment of the pituitary adenoma often resolves the ovarian cysts and restores normal ovarian function. Regular monitoring of hormone levels and imaging of both the pituitary and ovaries is important during treatment, as emphasized in 2 and 4. The connection exists because the pituitary gland controls the hormonal signals that regulate ovarian function, and when disrupted by a tumor, this can alter the entire reproductive hormone cascade, as explained in 5.