Which treatment is commonly used for managing prolactinomas?

Dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment for prolactinomas, which are benign pituitary tumors that overproduce prolactin. These medications, such as cabergoline and bromocriptine, act by stimulating dopamine receptors, which in turn inhibit prolactin secretion by the pituitary gland. This reduction in prolactin levels often leads to a decrease in tumor size and alleviation of symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia, such as galactorrhea (milk production not associated with lactation) and menstrual irregularities.

The efficacy of dopamine agonists in managing prolactinomas is well-supported by clinical evidence, making them the preferred choice over other treatment options. While radiation therapy and surgery are alternative approaches, they are typically reserved for cases where patients do not respond adequately to medical therapy or have significant complications from the tumor. Growth hormone inhibitors, on the other hand, are not relevant in the context of prolactinomas, as they primarily target conditions involving excess growth hormone, such as acromegaly. Thus, dopamine agonists stand out as the mainstay of management for prolactinomas.