The hormone prolactin is responsible in the female body for lactation and development of the mammary glands. It also has a number of other effects. So, an increase in this hormone leads to infertility in women and impotence in men.
Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, a small amount of it is formed in the endometrium. It delays the secretion of salt and water by the kidneys. In men, the hormone prolactin stimulates the production of testosterone, as well as the proper development and formation of sperm.
Its level rises significantly with stress, a high level of estrogen, physical activity, sex, sleep, overheating, lactation and pregnancy. Increases the concentration of prolactin with certain drugs.
So, elevated prolactin symptoms:
- decreased sex drive;
- rare menstruation or lack thereof;
- decreased potency;
- lack of ovulation ;
- infertility;
- secretion of colostrum or milk from the breast outside of lactation and pregnancy;
- gynecomastia;
- cycle disturbances.
If such manifestations take place, then it is necessary to examine the blood.
So, it is necessary to check prolactin, when to take it and how? Research is usually carried out on the 5th day of the cycle, unless the attending physician has recommended another time. On the eve of a visit to the laboratory, you can’t drink alcohol, have sex and sports, act on your chest, go to the sauna, or experience stress.
Stop smoking one hour before the study. Half an hour before the analysis, sit quietly - calm down and relax. Research is carried out in the morning, preferably up to 10. It is necessary to come to the laboratory strictly on an empty stomach.
Usually the result is ready in a few days. The form must indicate the norms of the selected laboratory, since they depend on the used test systems and units of measurement.
Prolactin is elevated in the following cases:
- breast damage;
- stress;
- autoimmune diseases;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- hypovitaminosis B6;
- renal failure;
- hypothyroidism;
- hypothalamic diseases;
- tumors and pituitary dysfunctions;
- PCOS (polycystic ovary);
- galactorrhea-amenorrhea;
- breastfeeding, pregnancy.
High hormone levels block FSH synthesis. As a result , the egg does not mature, and pregnancy becomes impossible. It is this mechanism that does not allow a nursing woman to conceive. Therefore, the hormone prolactin is often the culprit of infertility.
It also rises during pregnancy due to high estrogen levels. Before birth, its level decreases, and then rises again at the beginning of breastfeeding.
Quite often, the cause of a significant increase in the hormone is the pituitary tumor. She is diagnosed using computed tomography. Quite often, such neoplasms are accompanied by headaches and vision problems.
Treatment for elevated prolactin is carried out by eliminating the cause that caused it. Special drugs are also used to reduce its level, including natural ones, for example, Cyclodinone, Matodynon. After a course of treatment, a woman may become pregnant.
Prolactin is reduced in the following situations:
- hyperglycemia (high glucose);
- thyroxine intake;
- x-ray therapy;
- pituitary gland removal (surgical).
So, the hormone prolactin mainly affects the mammary glands and is responsible for lactation. With its increased value, ovulation does not occur, and pregnancy becomes impossible. In the presence of characteristic symptoms, it is necessary to pass an analysis and consult with a specialist. To obtain reliable results for the study, you need to properly prepare. Today there are effective drugs to reduce prolactin, which helps with infertility and sexual problems.