High prolactin levels can affect females and males
Hyperprolactinemiaoccurs when you have high levels ofprolactinin your blood.
Hyperprolactinemia can affect both females and males, resulting inirregular menstrual periodsanderectile dysfunction, among other things.
This article describes the causes and symptoms of hyperprolactinemia, including how this hormonal condition is diagnosed and treated.
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What Is Prolactin?
Prolactin, also known as lactotropin and mammotropin, is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland.
These are the glands in the breast that produce milk.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, hyperprolactinemia is not only considered normal but essential to fetal development.
Even so, maintaining normal levels of prolactin is essential to normal sexual function.
What Causes Hyperprolactinemia in Females and Males?
Hyperprolactinemia can develop due to physiological, pathological, or pharmaceutical causes.
In some cases, high prolactin levels are considered normal.
In other cases, hyperprolactinemia is a serious medical concern.
One of the more common causes is the formation of abenign tumoron the pituitary gland.
This noncancerous growth, known asprolactinoma, directly secretes excessive prolactin while suppressing estrogen and testosterone levels.
Diseases affecting a portion of the brain called thehypothalamuscan also cause hyperprolactinemia.
The hypothalamus is the organ in the brain that links to the pituitary gland.
Other causes include:
Pharmaceutical Causes
Many drugs can cause prolactin levels to spike.
They do so by altering the production of different hormones that influence prolactin levels, including estrogen anddopamine.
These include:
What Are the Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia?
The symptoms of hyperprolactinemia in females can vary.
How Hyperprolactinemia Is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia involves a routine blood test to check prolactin levels.
What Is the Best Treatment for Hyperprolactinemia?
The goal of treatment is to return prolactin to normal levels.
Hyperprolactinemia can be diagnosed with a blood test.
American Society of Reproductive Medicine.Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels).
Endocrine Society: Hormone Health internet.Hyperprolactinemia.
