Prolactin Levels: Causes, Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment of Hormonal Imbalance

1. Understanding Prolactin: High, Low & Normal Levels Explained

2. What is Prolactin? Prolactin is a hormone which is a type of peptide and majorly produced by the anterior pituitary gland which is a bit sized organ situated at the bottom of the brain. Although the name prolactin is based on the fact that it stimulates milk production (pro-lactation), not all functions of prolactin are limited to lactation. Normal Amount of Prolactin The amount of prolactin in the blood is determined as nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). The normal range can be slightly different, depending on the laboratory and method in which the test is made and also depending on age, sex and physiological state of the patient (e.g. pregnant or menopausal). What Causes High Prolactin? (Hyperprolactinemia) Hyperprolactinemia exists when the levels of prolactin are above the common levels. Although it is more prevalent in females, it may affect people regardless of gender. Increased prolactin may be caused by many physiological, pathological and pharmacological means.

3. Side Effects of High Prolactin Levels High levels of prolactin may produce numerous symptoms and many of them are associated with the way it affects sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. In Women: • Aberrant or missing period (amenorrhea) • Infertility • Galactorrhea (secreting the milk out of the nipples and not during the process of breastfeeding) • Intercourse pain because of low estrogen In Men: • Reduced libido • Erectile dysfunction • Infertility • The increase of the breast (gynecomastia) • Muscle weakness In Both Sexes: • Reduced calcium density (osteoporosis) • Collection problems (when there is a pituitary tumor that is pushing on the optic chiasm) • Headaches

4. What Are The Low Levels Of Prolactin? Low, but less frequently observed prolactin levels also may be clinically important. This state is termed as hyperprolactinemia and is the general indicator of the pituitary dysfunction or the hyperactivity of dopaminergic agents. Possible Causes of Low Prolactin: • Pituitary injury or Tumor • Dopamine Overproduction • Autoimmune Hypophysitis • Sheehan’s Syndrome Low Prolactin Symptoms: • Fatigue • Low mood • Decreased immune defense (potential hypothetical connections) The prolactin blood test: Prolactin test is quite easy to perform, a blood drawing in a hospital. The test is best when performed in the morning and this is normally between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM because at this time, prolactin is higher in wakefulness.

5. Treatment and Ways of Control Treatment of abnormal prolactin levels The treatment of abnormal prolactin levels is dependent upon the cause and upon the degree of symptoms. In The Case of High Prolactin (Hyperprolactinemia): • Dopamine Agonists • Thyroid Hormone Replacement • Surgical or Radiologic Intervention • Medication Adjustment In The Case of Low Prolactin (Hypoprolactinemia): • It does not usually need treatment unless it interferes with breastfeeding or is a sign of general dysfunction of the pituitary. • Domperidone can be administered, at medical advice, in lactating women with insufficient milk supply so as to boost their prolactin levels.

6. Final Thoughts The potent hormone is prolactin which has wide reaching effects. This factor might not attract as much attention as estrogen and testosterone, and yet, when the prolactin is out of the balance, it can seriously mess with your reproductive, emotional, and general health. A prolactin test is also an important diagnostic procedure whether you are trying to conceive, experiencing symptoms of unexplained disorders, or having your test run to determine a pituitary disorder. Unusual findings cannot be overlooked because a majority of reasons can be dealt with accordingly. Reference: https://www.maxathome.in/blogs/prolactin-levels-causes-symptoms-testing-treatment