Final answer:
The most common pituitary adenoma is a prolactinoma, which can cause symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods and decreased libido. Treatment usually involves medication and surgery may be necessary in some cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common pituitary adenoma is a prolactinoma, which is a tumor that causes overproduction of the hormone prolactin. This can result in symptoms such as irregular menstrual periods, milk production from the breasts (galactorrhea), and infertility in women. In men, it can cause decreased libido (sex drive) and erectile dysfunction.
Treatment for a prolactinoma usually involves medication to lower prolactin levels, such as dopamine agonists like bromocriptine or cabergoline. These medications help shrink the tumor and reduce symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.
It's important to note that there are other types of pituitary adenomas that can cause different symptoms depending on the hormone they produce. Therefore, proper diagnosis and treatment should be done by a healthcare professional.