Galactorrhea, gynecomastia, menstrual irregularities, and sexual dysfunction are short-term consequences of which condition?

• A. Aplastic Anemia
• B. Leukopenia
• C. Hyperprolactinemia
• D. Metabolic Syndrome

Answer: (C)

Excess prolactin disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to these findings. Prolactin inhibits GnRH pulse generation, which lowers LH and FSH from the pituitary. That drop reduces estrogen in individuals assigned female and testosterone in individuals assigned male, causing menstrual irregularities and sexual dysfunction. Prolactin also promotes milk production, so galactorrhea can occur, and elevated prolactin can stimulate breast tissue growth, contributing to gynecomastia in men. This combination is characteristic of hyperprolactinemia, regardless of whether it’s due to a pituitary tumor, medications, or other causes.

Aplastic anemia and leukopenia involve blood cell production issues and don’t produce galactorrhea, gynecomastia, or menstrual changes. Metabolic syndrome centers on insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk and doesn’t typically cause the lactation or reproductive hormonal symptoms described.