Prolactin happens to be a hormone which has an impact on different hormones present in our body. This is a hormone that is found in both male and female bodies. Today, we want to talk about the impact it has on our well-being and overall health. As the name suggests prolactin is a hormone which promotes the production of breast milk in mammals.
It is also responsible for several different types of functions. Prolactin is produced in the pituitary gland’s foremost part that is present in your brain along with breasts, uterus, brain, adipose tissue, prostrate, immune cells, and skin.
Why is prolactin important for our body?
Prolactin is released from a woman’s body when she is pregnant or nursing a child. It is because of prolactin that milk is produced. This is the most common and known purpose that prolactin serves. The function of prolactin is still under a lot of research and the purpose or impact of this hormone is studied. From regulating behavior to maintaining a healthy immunity system, reproductive system, different body fluids, and metabolism.
That is why prolactin is crucial for the well-being and overall health of both women and men. Prolactin production is controlled by estrogen and dopamine hormones. Both of these hormones transmit messages to pituitary glands which indicates the production or ceasing the process of prolactin. Estrogen increases the prolactin production whereas dopamine restrains it.
What Is Hyperprolactinemia?
When an excessive amount of prolactin is produced in men and women (who are not pregnant) it is called as hyperprolactinemia. This is extremely common in women. One third of the total population of women face different symptoms caused by abnormal prolactin levels in the blood. This is mostly commonly seen in women who are in their childbearing age and face irregular period’s problem regardless of the healthy ovaries.
Galactorrhea or production of milk regardless of not being pregnant and difficulty to become pregnant happens to be the two most serious problems of increased prolactin levels. The high prolactin levels also interfere with the proper functioning of other hormones too. Both progesterone and estrogen levels are affected which in turn has an impact on ovulation.
It can both stop and change ovulation. This is the process where eggs are released from the ovary. Women also face problems like missed or irregular periods because of this.
If you think women are the only one who face such problems, then you are wrong. High levels of prolactin can cause impotency, infertility, and reduced desire for having sex. A man suffering from the problems of hyperprolactinemia might produce no sperm or less sperm.
What causes high levels of prolactin in our body?
Below mentioned are few common causes of high levels of prolactin –
- Prolactinomas or tumors in pituitary glands.
- Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism
- Several medicines especially the ones prescribed for psychosis, high blood pressure, and depression.
- Irritation caused in chest wall due to shingles, wearing tight bras, and surgical scars.
- Extreme levels of stress
- Excessive physical exercise
- Nipple stimulation
- Certain foods
The symptoms of high levels of prolactin –
Prolactinoma might not show any noticeable symptoms or signs but due to excessive prolactin present in blood you might come across some symptoms. Elevated levels of prolactin ends up disrupting the functioning of reproductive system.
Take a look at the different signs or symptoms that is seen in females –
- Amenorrhea (no periods) or oligomenorrhea (irregular menstrual periods).
- Milky discharge despite not being pregnant.
- Vaginal dryness which causes painful intercourse.
- Excessive hair growth on face and body
- Outburst of acne.
These are the symptoms seen in men due to prolactinoma –
- Decrease in both facial and body hair
- Erectile dysfunction
- Enlarged breasts
There are a few symptoms that is common in both the sexes –
- Too much production of prolactin can reduce testosterone and estrogen production. This causes decreased bone density.
- Other hormones produced by pituitary glands reduces which in turn causes tumor pressure.
- Headaches
- Sexual activity reduces
- Infertility
- Visual disturbances – when it is left untreated it can cause damage to the optic nerve by compressing it.
Prolactinoma is a kind of tumor which develops in the pituitary glands. What is the primary cause of this tumor still remains unknown. The bean shaped gland that is located at our brain’s base is known as the pituitary gland. Don’t be fooled by its small size for it has an influence on almost all the parts of our body.
The hormones released by this gland helps to regulate several important functions like reproduction, blood pressure, metabolism, and growth. This disorder is very rare in children but women between the age of 20 to 34 years are at high risk.
In case you are suffering from prolactinoma and are trying to conceive, don’t forget to consult a doctor.