The most important biological components of the human body that control not only our feelings and behavior, but also almost all physiological processes, are hormones. Prolactin in women is the main hormone responsible for childbearing function, regulating ovulation and the menstrual cycle. It is about him today’s article.
So, prolactin (hormone): what is it? What is his norm? What is the hormone prolactin in the human body responsible for? Let's look at these issues.
Prolactin is produced in the brain, namely in the anterior pituitary gland. It is also called the “stress hormone”, since an increase in its level is observed with various physical and emotional stresses.
The functions of the hormone in the body
Scientists are still studying prolactin (a hormone). What is it - today is not fully known. In the course of numerous studies, the following functions of this biologically active substance in the female body were established :
- This hormone directly affects the growth of mammary glands in girls during puberty and prepares them for lactation. In addition, during breastfeeding, prolactin stimulates and regulates milk production.
- One of the most important functions of the hormone in question is to maintain the corpus luteum in the ovary. Due to this, the high content of progesterone necessary for bearing a child is maintained.
- Under the influence of prolactin, the so-called maternal instinct and the corresponding behavioral reactions are formed.
- Regulates the adrenal glands (prolactin stimulates the production of androgens).
For the male body, this hormone is also very important, because:
- Participates in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
- The hormones FSH, LH, prolactin are closely related, which, in turn, activates the activity of other biologically active substances that regulate sexual function. In particular, prolactin is responsible for the formation of testosterone.
- Stimulates the secretion of the prostate gland.
It follows that prolactin has a huge impact on the state of the reproductive system of both women and men. In addition, the hormone is a natural “contraceptive” - it prevents conception during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Hormone prolactin: the norm for women
The level of this hormone varies depending on the day of the menstrual cycle. The following values are considered normal:
- in the follicular phase - from 4.5 to 33 ng / ml;
- in the ovulatory phase - from 6.3 to 49 ng / ml;
- in the luteal phase, from 4.9 to 40 ng / ml.
The concentration of prolactin in the blood during pregnancy
During the bearing of the baby, serious changes occur in the woman’s body, the hormone prolactin also changes. The norm for women during this period is:
- in the first trimester - from 3.2 to 43 ng / ml;
- in the II trimester - from 13 to 166 ng / ml;
- in the III trimester - from 13 to 318 ng / ml.
An increase in the level of the hormone prolactin begins at the 8th week of pregnancy. Its maximum value is observed at 20-25 weeks. Before birth, the prolactin content is reduced. The next increase in the hormone occurs during breastfeeding.
Male Prolactin Levels
As noted above, one of the main roles in the male body is the hormone prolactin. The norm for men is slightly lower than for women, and is in the range of 2.5-17 ng / ml.
How to determine the content of prolactin in the body?
A blood test will help determine the content in the body of a substance such as the hormone prolactin. When to take tests? Women are recommended to donate blood during the first 3 days of the menstrual cycle (if there are no special recommendations). The most favorable period for determining the hormone prolactin is morning time, after awakening 2-3 hours should pass. Tests are usually given on an empty stomach.
How to prepare for laboratory research?
The day before it is necessary to donate blood to the hormone prolactin, you should refrain from sexual contact, refuse to visit saunas, baths, exclude the use of alcohol even in minimal doses. Any worries and experiences contribute to an increase in the content of the substance in the blood, so if possible, eliminate stressful situations on the eve of the test. Before examination, be extremely careful not to injure your chest. Immediately before the analysis, lie down for 30 minutes and try to relax as much as possible. One hour before blood sampling, refrain from smoking. Observing the above recommendations is very important. Otherwise, the results of a blood test will be unreliable, which will entail the delivery of other tests.
In what cases should a blood test be taken to determine the amount of the hormone prolactin?
Experts recommend conducting a blood test for prolactin if a woman has the following pathologies:
- infertility;
- menstruation absent for 6 months or more;
- milk is secreted from the mammary glands, while the woman is not pregnant and does not breast-feed her baby;
- frequent headaches;
- impaired vision for an unknown reason.
Men should be tested for prolactin if:
- enlarged mammary glands;
- there is an erectile dysfunction (inability to maintain an erection throughout the entire sexual intercourse);
- headaches;
- visual impairment is observed.
Hyperprolactinemia, or increased prolactin (hormone): what is it?
This is a pathological condition that characterizes various diseases, namely:
- Prolactinoma. This is a pituitary tumor that produces excess prolactin. As a rule, in this condition, the concentration level of this hormone in the blood exceeds 200 ng / ml.
- Anorexia. This condition is a mental pathology in which a person refuses food due to fear of weight gain.
- Hypothyroidism A condition characterized by a decrease in thyroid hormone production.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome. This is a pathology of the female genital area, in which the menstrual cycle is disrupted, enhanced hair growth is observed throughout the body.
In addition, the level of the hormone can be increased with severe pathology of the kidneys, cirrhosis of the liver, neoplasm in the hypothalamus, taking certain medications with the corresponding side effect (estrogen, hormonal contraceptives, tricyclic antidepressants, amphetamines, and others).
Hyperprolactinemia can also have a physiological character. Prolactin levels increase with:
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding;
- intense physical exertion;
- high protein content in the diet;
- emotional stress.
Symptoms of an increased concentration of prolactin in the blood
With an excess of the hormone prolactin in the body, serious functional disorders are observed (in both men and women):
- The early stages of the disease are characterized by a decrease in libido (sexual desire), which can provoke reproductive dysfunction.
- In women, the menstrual cycle fails and anorgasmia develops. During the examination, a lack of ovulation is detected. With a high level of the hormone prolactin, the production of FSH and LH decreases, which, in turn, leads to infertility.
- In men, sexual function is impaired, sexual intercourse is not accompanied by ejaculation. Analysis of the spermogram shows a small number of sperm, their motility is reduced, various defects in the structure are observed.
In addition, a high level of the hormone prolactin in the blood can cause vision loss, impaired sleep and memory, depression, osteoporosis, mastopathy, and provoke such a dangerous condition as oncology of the mammary glands or other important female organs.
How to reduce the concentration of the hormone prolactin in the blood?
If a specialist diagnoses an increased content of prolactin in the body, treatment should be started immediately. Therapeutic measures are aimed at combating the disease that caused the development of hyperprolactinemia. So, prolactinoma involves medical treatment with the use of a drug such as Bromkriptin and other drugs, radiation therapy of the pituitary tumor or its surgical removal. With hypothyroidism, treatment of thyroid pathology is necessary, and so on.
Why is the amount of prolactin in the blood reduced?
A reduced concentration of this hormone in the body is considered a normal option for children, men and non-pregnant women. Reducing the amount of prolactin in the blood, as a rule, does not require special treatment. However, to exclude pituitary diseases, undergoing a medical examination is still worth it.
Reduced prolactin in the blood may indicate:
- benign and malignant tumors of the pituitary gland;
- pituitary tuberculosis;
- head injuries with impaired pituitary function.
Also, the level of the hormone in question decreases due to radiation therapy of the pituitary tumor, prolonged use of certain medications ("Dopamine", "Levodol", etc.).
Conclusion
Today you have learned more about such an important substance as prolactin (hormone): what it is, what functions it performs in the human body, what increases or decreases its level in the blood.
To prevent possible problems, you need to carefully monitor your health, respond in a timely manner to the slightest deviations from the normal state. The health of women, as well as men, is of great importance. It is on him that the birth of children, normal relationships with a partner, and a happy family life depend. Take care of yourself and be healthy!