Prolactin

• Prolactin is a hormone primarily responsible for stimulating milk production in women after childbirth.
• It is produced by the pituitary gland and also influences reproductive health in both men and women.
• Elevated prolactin levels, known as hyperprolactinemia, can lead to a range of symptoms including menstrual irregularities, infertility, and galactorrhea.
• Common causes of high prolactin include pituitary tumors (prolactinomas), certain medications, and hypothyroidism.
• Monitoring prolactin levels is important for diagnosing and managing related health conditions.

What is Prolactin and its Function?

Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone primarily secreted by the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. It is also produced in smaller amounts by other tissues, including the brain, uterus, immune cells, and mammary glands. The primary role of what is prolactin hormone is to stimulate milk production (lactation) in women after childbirth. Beyond its well-known role in lactation, prolactin function in body extends to various other physiological processes.

In women, Prolactin is essential for the development of mammary glands during pregnancy and for initiating and maintaining milk secretion post-delivery. It also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility. In men, Prolactin contributes to reproductive health, though its exact mechanisms are less understood compared to women. It can influence sperm production and testosterone levels. Furthermore, Prolactin has been implicated in immune function, metabolism, and behavioral regulation, highlighting its diverse impact on the human body.

Prolactin Levels: Symptoms and Causes

Normal prolactin levels vary between individuals and can be influenced by factors such as stress, sleep, and time of day. However, abnormally high levels, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia, can lead to a range of symptoms and health issues. According to global health statistics, hyperprolactinemia is a relatively common endocrine disorder, affecting approximately 0.4% of the general population and up to 17% of women with reproductive disorders (Source: World Health Organization and various endocrinology societies).

The prolactin levels and symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia differ between sexes. In women, symptoms can include:

• Galactorrhea (spontaneous milk discharge from the breasts, unrelated to childbirth or nursing)
• Menstrual irregularities (oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea)
• Infertility
• Reduced libido
• Vaginal dryness

In men, symptoms may include:

• Reduced libido and erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue)
• Reduced muscle mass and body hair

Several factors can contribute to the causes of high prolactin. The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland that overproduces Prolactin. Other causes include certain medications, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and some blood pressure drugs, which can interfere with dopamine’s inhibitory effect on Prolactin secretion. Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, can also lead to elevated Prolactin levels. Additionally, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, chest wall trauma, and even severe stress can temporarily increase Prolactin.