Prolactinomas are the most common secretory pituitary adenoma. They typically 
occur in women in the 3rd-6th decade of life and rarely in the pediatric 
population or after menopause. Most women present with irregular menses and/or 
infertility. Dopamine (DA) agonists, used in their treatment, are safe during 
pregnancy, but in most cases are discontinued at conception with close 
monitoring for signs or symptoms of tumor growth. Breastfeeding is safe 
postpartum, provided there was no significant growth during pregnancy. Some 
women will experience normalization of prolactin levels postpartum. Menopause 
may also decrease prolactin levels and even those with macroprolactinomas may 
consider discontinuing their DA agonist with close follow-up. Prolactinomas may 
be associated with decreased quality of life scores in women, and play a role in 
bone health and cardiovascular risk factors. This review discusses the current 
literature and clinical understanding of prolactinomas throughout the entirety 
of the female life cycle.