Each type of functioning tumor causes different symptoms, depending on the type of hormone that is being made by the tumor. Symptoms may also be caused if the tumor grows large and presses on nearby parts of the brain.
Symptoms for each type may include:
- Abnormal growth of the limbs
-
Lack of growth
- Delayed puberty
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Nausea
- Low blood pressure
- Diabetes insipidus (inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine)
- Galactorrhea (milky discharge from the nipples)
- Visual difficulty (if the optic nerve is involved)
- Headache
- Personality changes
- Confusion
- Depression
- Loss of normal menstrual function in women or sexual libido
- Obesity
- Abnormal temperature regulation and change
- Weight gain in face (moon face), above the collar bone and on back of neck (buffalo hump)
- Skin changes
- Easy bruising, purplish stretch marks and red cheeks
- Excess hair growth (hirsutism) on face, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs
- Generalized weakness and fatigue
- Muscle loss
- Menstrual disorders in women (amenorrhea)
- Decreased libido
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Depression with wide mood swings
- Headaches
- Visual disturbances
- Reduced activity of the ovaries and testes
Prolactinoma
In females, symptoms may include:
- Irregular menstrual periods or a complete stoppage of menstruation
- Milky discharge from the breasts (galactorrhea)
- Decreased libido
- Headache
- Visual changes
In men, symptoms may include:
- Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
- Infertility
- Impotence
- Decreased sexual interest
- Headache
- Visual changes
