Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report:

• Chiari-Frommel Syndrome
• Ahumada-del Castillo Syndrome

The symptoms of Forbes-Albright Syndrome typically begin between the ages of 20 to 40 years. Symptoms include the absence of regular menstrual periods (amenorrhea) in females and abnormal milk production (galactorrhea) in affected males and females. Women with this disorder typically have breasts and nipples of normal size and appearance, but the pattern of body hair may change and sexual desire may be diminished. Some people with Forbes-Albright Syndrome have exceptionally oily skin and have an excessive amount of body fat (obese).

Women with Forbes-Albright Syndrome usually have abnormally enlarged breasts and they may also begin to secrete milk (lactation). Some men may experience a diminished sexual desire, loss of sexual function, and/or impaired fertility due to a decrease in sperm production.

Forbes-Albright Syndrome is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland which secretes the hormone prolactin. A tumor in the hypothalamus gland may also cause this disorder. Thyroid disease (i.e., hypothyroidism), the long-term use of certain drugs (i.e., chlorpromazine), and oral birth control pills (contraceptives) have also been implicated as possible causes of Forbes- Albright Syndrome. (For more information, choose "Hypothyroidism" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Forbes-Albright Syndrome is a rare disorder that affects males and females in equal numbers.

Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Forbes- Albright Syndrome. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:

Chiari-Frommel Syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder that affects women who have recently had a child (postpartum) and is characterized by the production of breast milk (lactation), lack of ovulation (anovulation), and the absence of regular menstrual periods (amenorrhea). These symptoms persist long after childbirth. The absence of normal hormonal cycles may result in a reduction in the size of the uterus (atrophy). Other symptoms may include emotional distress, anxiety, headaches, backaches, abdominal pain, and occasionally obesity. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Chiari-Frommel" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Ahumada-del Castillo Syndrome is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by the abnormal function of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands affecting the secretion of hormones. This disorder affects only women and is not related to pregnancy. The two major symptoms of this disorder include the production and expression of milk from the breasts not associated with childbirth or nursing, and the absence of regular menstruation. There is normal development of secondary sexual characteristics. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Ahumada-del Castillo" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Individuals with Forbes-Albright Syndrome usually have abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood. Other laboratory findings may include abnormally low levels of other hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and leutinizing hormone (LH).

The treatment of Forbes-Albright Syndrome usually involves surgical removal of the pituitary tumor causing the excessive prolactin levels. Smaller or inoperable tumors often respond to irradiation or drug therapy with bromocriptine or lergotrile mesilate. These drugs, which lower prolactin levels, stop abnormal milk secretion and often restore normal menstrual functions.

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