Symptoms and causes of increased prolactin in women

Prolactin is a hormone responsible for lactation, which is produced and regulated by the pituitary gland. Prolactin has a direct effect on the course of pregnancy. Under the influence of this hormone, colostrum is synthesized, and then milk. The amount of milk in a woman depends on the level of prolactin in the blood. With the help of prolactin, the development of the mammary gland occurs, and also this hormone is a natural contraceptive. When the hormone prolactin in women is elevated, this condition is called hyperprolactinemia. A violation of the menstrual cycle may indicate this disease.

If prolactin is elevated in women, the causes may be as follows:

Physiological:

• pregnancy;

• lactation;

• sexual intercourse;

• hypoglycemia (hunger);

• physical and emotional stress;

• prolonged neck massage;

• protein food;

• deep sleep.

Pathological:

• tumors of various kinds;

• endocrine system diseases ;

• hypovitaminosis;

• violation of the liver and kidneys;

• anorexia;

• polycystic ovary;

• taking medications: estrogens, amphetamines, tricyclic antidepressants, oral contraceptives and several others.

  

The causes of increased prolactin in women can be established by conducting a diagnostic examination. Blood for prolactin can be donated on any day of the cycle. Two days before the test, it is recommended to abandon sweets, sex, examination of the mammary glands, physical activity. Since the level of the hormone rises during sleep, tests should be taken no earlier than 2 hours after waking up, and on an empty stomach. This will help to more accurately establish the causes of increased prolactin in women.

Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia:

• lack of ovulation and, as a result, infertility. Miscarriages in the first weeks of pregnancy are also possible.

• irregularity or complete absence of menstruation ;

• galactorrhea - the release of milk from the breast;

• increased hair growth on the face, abdomen, around the nipples;

• acne

• decreased sex drive, lack of orgasm;

• thyroid dysfunction;

• weight gain, since the hormone prolactin enhances appetite;

• impaired vision, memory, sleep disturbance, depression;

• osteoporosis. An increase in the hormone prolactin promotes leaching of calcium from bone tissue, which leads to bone fragility.

  

Hyperprolactinemia Treatment

Treatment consists in normalizing the concentration of the hormone prolactin in the blood. The physiological increase in the hormone does not need special treatment. As soon as the causes of increased prolactin in women are eliminated, the amount of the hormone stabilizes. If the examination showed that the cause of hyperprolactinemia is pathological, then treatment is prescribed individually. This can be either drug therapy or surgery.

The causes of increased prolactin in women may be obvious, or an additional examination may be needed. Therefore, in order to timely detect a possible disease and successfully carry out its treatment, you must regularly visit your doctor and take all the necessary tests.