High prolactin levels in non pregnant female

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. High levels can affect sexual and reproductive health. They may result from medication use, health conditions, or prolactinomas, benign tumors of the pituitary gland. Prolactin plays an important role in the healthy functioning of the body. Insufficient or excessive Noncancerous In this article, we look at the role of prolactin in the body, symptoms of prolactinomas or high prolactin levels, and treatments for insufficient or excessive levels of this hormone. Share on Pinterest FG Trade/Getty Images Prolactin is a hormone that helps breast development, particularly in females. It helps the body maintain an overall stable condition and also allows nursing individuals to lactate. The pituitary gland produces prolactin. This gland sits at the base of the brain and helps regulate hormones in the body. Insufficient or excess prolactin levels A prolactinoma is a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas produce prolactin, which There is no known cause for prolactinomas, but genetics may play a part in some cases. For example, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is a genetic disorder that may increase the risk of developing prolactinomas. Prolactinomas are more common in females than males and are more prevalent in females aged It is Other factors can also cause a slight, temporary spike in prolactin levels, including: • physical stress on the body • exercise • sexual intercourse • eating a meal • nipple stimu...

Galactorrhea’s most common symptom is one or both breasts producing excessive milk. The condition is most common in women, but can also happen to men and newborn babies. Other symptoms include: • leaking from nipples that happens at random • enlargement of breast tissue • missed or irregular periods • loss of or lowered sex drive • • • abnormal hair growth • • trouble with vision Galactorrhea has a wide variety of different causes, and in some cases, the cause is hard to pinpoint. Reasons for lactating when not recently pregnant can range from hormone imbalances to medication side effects to other health conditions. The most common cause of breast milk production is an elevation of a hormone produced in the brain called • medications • underlying medical issues • a tumor • overstimulation of the nipples Other causes include the following. Medications Some medications may cause galactorrhea. These include: • antipsychotics • • • • certain pain killers • • medications that contain hormones Medical conditions These conditions may also contribute to lactating when not pregnant: • • • chronic stress • tumors or disease of the • any trauma or damage to breast tissue • high levels of Drug use Regular use of certain drugs, like Breast stimulation For some people, having regular breast stimulation may trigger galactorrhea. This can be stimulation during sexual activity, from frequent breast self-exams, or from clothing that rubs against the nipples. Mothers who are adopting babies ...

In this Article • • • • • • • • • Each and every hormone in our bodies has a specific purpose. Usually when these go out of whack is when we start to find ourselves with problems. A woman experiences hormonal changes a lot, but when it comes to pregnancy, there is an even bigger change. A little hormone called prolactin is one of the hormones that play a very important role in fertility and conception. If your prolactin level is abnormal, you will find yourself having trouble conceiving. Advertisements What is Prolactin? Originating in the pituitary gland, prolactin is a hormone that helps in the production of breast milk during and after pregnancy. While both men and women have prolactin in their blood, why men have it is not yet clear. Prolactin in women plays an important role in fertility, menstruation and sex drive. Advertisements What are Normal Prolactin Levels To Get Pregnant? For women who are not pregnant, the average prolactin level is 2 to 29ng/ml (nanograms per millilitre). Women whose prolactin levels fall in this range have a better chance at conceiving. Can You Get Pregnant with Low Prolactin Levels? If your pituitary glands are not working properly, then your prolactin levels will be low. This is known as hypopituitarism. However, this is not considered to be a problem as conceiving a child is possible even with low prolactin levels. Can You Get Pregnant with High Prolactin Levels? High prolactin levels (known as hyperprolactinemia) make it very difficult ...

Overview What is prolactin? Prolactin (also known as lactotropin and PRL) is a hormone that’s responsible for lactation, certain Most of your prolactin comes from your pituitary gland. It makes and releases (secretes) the hormone. Your Your central • Nipple stimulation. • Exercise. • Stress. How does prolactin affect my body? Prolactin contributes to hundreds of bodily functions, but its two main functions include: • The development of mammary glands within breast tissues and milk production. • Prolactin’s role in mammary gland development and milk production During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen and progesterone stimulate breast tissue development and milk production. Prolactin promotes the growth of a certain type of breast tissue called mammary alveoli, which are the components of the mammary gland where the production of milk occurs. Prolactin also stimulates the breast alveolar cells to create milk components, including: • Lactose (the carbohydrate component of milk). • Casein (the protein component of milk). • Lipids (components that provide energy, essential fatty acids and cholesterol). Prolactin’s role in lactation and breastfeeding (chestfeeding) After delivery of your baby, progesterone levels drop, which increases the number of prolactin receptors on the mammary alveolar cells. This allows for milk secretion through your nipple, commonly known as lactation. After delivery, prolactin levels don’t remain constantly elevated. Prolactin levels will onl...

Prolactin is an important hormone, particularly for female reproductive health. Although it is present in men, prolactin is best known for its role in enabling women to produce breast milk. Prolactin levels increase after a woman gives birth. In addition to its role in breast milk production, these high prolactin levels can also stop menstrual periods (and bring a decrease in sexual desire) while a woman breastfeeds. Prolactin levels typically return to normal levels when the baby is weaned and a woman is no longer breastfeeding, causing the menstrual cycle to resume. Sometimes, however, prolactin levels are high at other times; this condition is called hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia predominately affects women, but it can cause Fortunately, hyperprolactinemia can often be treated with medication, surgery (in the case of a tumor), or other measures. Treatment is individualized to the patient based on the cause and symptoms of the condition, as well as desired outcomes. For women who are trying to get pregnant, the goal of treatment may be to reduce prolactin levels, since high levels of the hormone can interfere with the menstrual cycle. For someone who isn’t trying to get pregnant, doctors may tailor treatment to ensure the patient gets enough estrogen, since low estrogen levels, which can be caused by prolactinemia, can interfere with bone development and lead to other problems. Most cases of hyperprolactinemia are caused by increased prolactin secretion from the...