Hormones are chemical messengers in the blood that control and monitor the functioning of various organs in the body. The hormonal balance in the body is very delicate. A slight increase or dip in one of the hormones can affect the balance and have a big impact on the individual's overall health. Prolactin is one such important hormone, not just for pregnant women but for everyone.
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This hormone is responsible for signalling the breast tissues to grow during pregnancy and produce milk after delivery. An imbalance in these hormone levels can affect both men and women. It can affect the production of the sex hormones – estrogen and testosterone. As a result, prolactin levels can impact one's sex drive and fertility as well.
Prolactin test is a blood test that measures the amount of prolactin hormone in the body. It is mostly used in combination with other tests in the following ways:
● To diagnose prolactinoma – a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland
● Identify the cause of irregular menstruation in women
● Identify the cause for low sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men
● Identify the cause of infertility in both men and women
● Monitor existing prolactinoma to ensure the treatment is working
● To check if the prolactinoma tumor has come back after the treatment
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, your doctor will ask for a prolactin test, with other tests to help in accurate diagnosis:
● Irregular or no periods
● Breastmilk production or discharge when not pregnant or breastfeeding
● Nipple discharge
● Fertility issues
● Nipple discharge
● Erectile dysfunction
● Low sex drive
● Fertility issues
● A decrease in facial and body hair
● Gynaecomastia – enlarged breasts
The prolactin test is a blood test. So, the health care professional will draw a blood sample from your vein and collect it in a test tube or a vial. The test is risk-free. You may just feel a sting when they draw the blood, and the injection site might bruise a little. You can carry on with your regular routine without any change or impact.
As the prolactin levels in the blood constantly change throughout the day, the lab at which you are taking the test might suggest you come three to four hours after waking up. You may also be required to be on an empty stomach for the test. Ensure you get all the details beforehand.
Some medicines will interfere with prolactin. So, it is important that your doctor knows what medications you are on so that they can advise you to avoid specific medicines just before the test. You can resume the medications after the blood test.
Low prolactin levels are rare and could be due to a pituitary gland disorder. For breastfeeding women, lower than-normal prolactin levels will interfere with the breast milk supply. Apart from this, the new mother will not feel anything.
The prolactin levels in a pregnant woman are generally higher than in others. This is because the body is getting ready to nurse the new baby, for which her breasts must grow and start lactating. However, some people experience high prolactin levels even when not pregnant. High prolactin levels can affect both men and women.
High prolactin levels can affect both men and women alike. It can cause one or more of the following:
● It can cause menstrual issues and even lead to infertility in women by affecting the way the ovaries function.
● It can signal the breast tissues to grow and produce milk, even when not pregnant. This can happen to both men and women.
● It can lead to low sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men by affecting the way the testicles work.
Apart from changes in the breasts, some common symptoms that can indicate high levels of prolactin in your blood are:
● Headaches
● Issues or changes with vision or smell
● Nausea or vomiting.
Some of the common causes for high prolactin levels are:
● A disorder in the pituitary gland
● Some diseases in the hypothalamus – the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland
● Liver issues like cirrhosis
● Kidney disease
● Hypothyroidism – underactive thyroid gland
● PCOS – Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
● Certain medications
Higher than normal prolactin levels in the blood is also known as hyperprolactinemia. In most cases, this could be due to a malignant tumor in the pituitary gland. Though not life-threatening, it can impact one's health in many ways. Some treatment options for this condition are:
● Medications—Dopamine is a brain chemical that controls the production of prolactin. Medications that control dopamine, like dopamine agonists, can help regulate prolactin levels and shrink prolactinoma, if any.
● Surgery – If medications are unable to shrink a prolactinoma, surgery will help remove the tumor.
● Radiotherapy – If medications or surgery are not a feasible option for prolactinoma, radiation therapy can help reduce prolactin levels.
Unfortunately, you cannot control hyperprolactinemia. You can undergo treatments to bring the hormone production under control and reduce the impact on your life and health. If you have the inherited gene for MEN type 1, you risk developing hyperprolactinemia. You may meet a genetic counsellor, get periodic tests or watch out for symptoms. Preventing hyperprolactinemia completely is not feasible.
Hyperprolactinemia, or high levels of prolactin in the blood, is not a life-threatening issue but can affect a person's quality of life to a great extent. Whether it is a tumour or just a hormonal imbalance, it cannot be ignored. It is always safer to get a prolactin test and seek the right treatment without any delay.
If prolactin levels are high, it can stimulate the breast tissues and produce breast milk. It can also cause fertility issues in both men and women.
Medications can help reduce prolactin levels. If high prolactin is due to prolactinoma – a benign tumor in the pituitary gland, surgery might help.
High prolactin can cause irregular periods in women and erectile dysfunction in men. It can affect the sex drive of both men and women and even lead to infertility.
High prolactin, if untreated, can lead to fertility-related issues in both males and females. Over time, it can start affecting bone health, too.
