Prolactin is a protein hormone responsible for stimulating milk secretion by the breasts and generated by the pituitary gland, a gland found in the brain. Generally, prolactin is present in small doses in the body, and its levels increase during pregnancy and after delivery to stimulate milk production throughout the lactation stage.
When a woman does not breastfeed her child, these levels drop rapidly. However, there is a disorder that causes excess production and secretion of prolactin, which can be dangerous. At FastlyHealwe, explain what this problem consists of and the causes of high prolactin.
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What is hyperprolactinemia?
Hyperprolactinemia is a disorder characterized by an increased prolactin level in the blood. Prolactin is not only responsible for stimulating breast secretion but also fulfills the function of blocking the ovulation process after childbirth and during the time that breastfeeding is carried out to prevent another pregnancy before the body is ready for it.
An excessive level of prolactin can put this regulation at risk and produce ovulation disorders, altering the menstrual cycle, causing infertility, and even making breast milk not related to pregnancy or childbirth (galactorrhea).
Other symptoms include loss of libido, headaches, visual disturbances, or excessive hair development. Knowing the cause of high prolactin will be essential to determine a treatment that helps regulate the entire ovulation process again.
Physiological causes
Sometimes, the prolactin level can be elevated by physical factors such as lack of sleep, stress, manipulation of the breasts, such as nipple stimulation, excessive exercise, or pregnancy. This condition can be temporary.
Secondary causes of a disease
High prolactin levels can appear as a result of other pathologies, among which are:
- Hypothyroidism
- Syndrome polycystic ovaries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lupus
- Anorexia nervosa
- Chronic kidney failure
- Liver cirrhosis.
Hyperprolactinemia can also occur due to burns or irritation of the chest wall due to trauma.
Secondary causes of drug use
Certain medications can cause hyperprolactinemia, especially those that have a blocking effect on dopamine, responsible for inhibiting prolactin secretion under normal conditions, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, drugs for gastrointestinal use, antihypertensives to reduce blood pressure, certain antitussives, narcotics, and estrogens.
Pituitary gland tumors
They are also called adenomas, and they are the cause of approximately 30% of high prolactin cases. They are tumors, primarily benign, that stimulate the production of the hormone by interfering with the production and transport of dopamine. In most cases, hyperprolactinemia is controlled with drug treatment, so it is necessary to consult your doctor in the presence of its symptoms.
Can I get pregnant with high prolactin?
No, since it affects the correct production of hormones for ovulation. However, medical treatment works very well, but it will all depend on the cause of the high prolactin. The purpose of the treatment will be to return the prolactin to its normal levels. In this way, the menstrual cycles will be restored. If it doesn’t work, IVF will be an option if you want to get pregnant. Consult with your gynecologist about any action you want to take.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to High prolactin: causes, we recommend that you enter our Endocrine System category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.