Causes of elevated prolactin in non-pregnant women. Causes, consequences and ways to reduce elevated prolactin hormone levels in women (hyperprolactinemia)

The hormonal background of a woman affects her well-being and health in general. Endocrine glands in a certain amount synthesize hormones that regulate the work various organs and systems. In the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, prolactin is produced, which largely determines the functionality of the female reproductive apparatus.

The concentration of prolactin is not a constant value. Physiologically, it is considered normal to increase the level of the hormone during pregnancy, as well as before menstruation. But hyperprolactinemia can be a sign and pathological conditions in organism. Therefore, it is very important to find out the causes of the problem and, if necessary, take measures to correct the level of the hormone.

Functions and role of prolactin

For this substance, there are receptors in almost every organ. Most of the cells with receptors for the hormone are in the mammary glands. It is he who determines the production of milk in women during lactation.

Other functions of prolactin include:

contributes to the formation mammary glands during puberty;
increases the number of ducts in the glands, promotes the growth of glandular lobules;
inhibits ovulation during and after pregnancy;
does not allow the embryo to be rejected by the mother's immune system;
lowers the pain threshold;
promotes orgasm during sexual contact.

Norm of indicators

To find out the concentration of prolactin, women need to donate blood from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach no earlier than 3 hours after getting up. On the eve you need to avoid sexual intercourse, stress, physical exertion. The day before the study, do not go to the sauna and bath.

Reasons to get tested for prolactin can be:

, which does not apply to lactation;
crashes menstrual cycle;
impossibility long time get pregnant;
decreased libido.

The norm of prolactin in women in the absence of pregnancy is 4-34 ng / ml. Depending on the phase of the cycle, the hormone should be within the following limits (ng / ml):

follicular phase - 4.5-23;
ovulation - 5-34;
luteal phase - 4.9-30.

If pregnancy occurs, then the indicators will be as follows (by trimesters in ng / ml):

1 - 3,2- 43;
2 - 13-166;
3 - 13-318.

An increase in the level of the hormone occurs from the 8th week of pregnancy. The peak of its concentration falls on 20-25 weeks.

If revealed, assigned additional research which will allow you to find out its causes and prescribe the right treatment. It is recommended to do, kidneys, adrenal glands, MRI or CT scan of the brain, lab tests to determine the hormonal status, blood biochemistry.

On a note! High prolactin affects the state of the whole organism. Almost all organs are affected. It is important to timely record symptoms that indicate hormonal disorders and seek help from a specialist.

Causes and symptoms of elevated hormone levels

Depending on the nature of origin, they are divided into physiological and pathological.

TO physiological factors development of hyperprolactinemia include:

breastfeeding period;
elevated physical exercise;
malnutrition associated with strict food restrictions;
high protein content in the diet;
wearing tight underwear and frequent palpation of the chest;
sexual intercourse;
stress;
massage of the collar zone, irritating nerve fibers.

Pathological hyperprolactinemia is caused by:

( , cyst, );
anorexia;
brain injury;
kidney disease;
cirrhosis of the liver;
addiction.

Separately, iatrogenic hyperprolactinemia can be distinguished, which occurs during treatment. certain groups drugs:

antidepressants;
estrogens;
antihypertensive drugs;
neuroleptics;
antiemetic drugs.

Signs and symptoms elevated prolactin:

galactorrhea (discharge from the nipples of a milky liquid);
decreased libido;
increased body hair growth ();
skin rashes;
overweight against the background of excessive appetite;
decreased vision;
violation of the menstrual cycle;
fast fatiguability;
depressive states.

Possible consequences for the body

Any hormonal disorders are fraught with various complications. Elevated prolactin levels also pose certain threats to women's health. Almost every woman suffering from cycle disorders and infertility has hyperprolactinemia. This may be a harbinger of tumor formations in the structures of the brain (pituitary gland, hypothalamus).

Significant jumps upwards in the hormone index are fraught for a woman with a number of dangerous conditions:

Sexual dysfunction - lack of orgasms, frigidity.
- high prolactin blocks the synthesis of the pituitary gland and that control the work of the ovaries. As a result, menstruation becomes scarce, over time they can disappear altogether.
Secondary or primary infertility - hyperprolactinemia suppresses the process of ovulation. As a result, the egg is not released from the follicle and cannot be fertilized.
Osteoporosis - an excess of prolactin contributes to the leaching of calcium from bone structures. Bones become brittle and often fracture.
Tumor formations in the chest - if there is a significant growth of the mammary glands, pain appears, this can be an alarm signal.
- increased appetite and obesity, as a result of impaired carbohydrate metabolism, lead to a violation of the level.
Psycho-emotional disorders - depression, psychosis, social maladjustment.
Metabolic disorders increase the risk of developing hypertension, coronary artery disease.
Visual impairment - often occurs if hyperprolactinemia is associated with pituitary tumors. The formation puts pressure on the eye endings, causing a problem.

Learn about the symptoms in men, as well as the treatment of pathology.

The rules and features of the use of Mamoclam tablets for the treatment of mastopathy of the mammary glands are described on the page.

Effective Treatments

A doctor can prescribe treatment only after establishing the cause of increased prolactin. With physiological hyperprolactinemia and a slight jump in the level of the hormone, special treatment is not required. If the problem is caused by pathological changes in the body, then individual therapy is prescribed, depending on the cause and severity of the pathology. It is important for a woman to restore ovulation, especially if she plans to have children.

Among medicines to combat hyperprolactinemia, preparations with ergot alkaloid are highly effective:

Cabergoline;

The course of taking such drugs can last for several years. Sometimes you have to take medicine for life. The dosage of drugs can be adjusted based on the results of control tests.

In the presence of tumor formations that provoke an increase in prolactin, it is recommended surgical intervention and radiation therapy. Access to the tumor, as a rule, is carried out transnasally. Today, craniotomy is extremely rare.

Diet and nutritional habits

With slight rises in prolactin, you can adjust its level by changing the diet. It is very useful to eat foods enriched folic acid. It helps to digest proteins faster, the excess of which often causes hyperprolactinemia.

oily fish;
liver;
eggs;
spinach;
parsley;
flax seeds;
nuts.

It is essential to limit the consumption of foods with high content gluten, preservation, smoked meats.

specific preventive measures against hyperprolactinemia in women is not. To minimize the risks of increasing prolactin in the blood, it is recommended:

follow a healthy diet;
engage in moderate physical activity;
give up bad habits;
have sexual contact with one partner
avoid stressful situations;
take place 1-2 times a year preventive examination at the gynecologist.

An increase in prolactin in a woman's body can be natural state during pregnancy, breastfeeding. But there are situations when the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia occur due to the presence of certain pathological changes. You can not ignore the signals that the body gives. It is important to be examined in a timely manner and, if necessary, to correct the condition.

Video - a fragment of the TV show "Live healthy!", From which you can learn more useful information about the causes and treatment of elevated prolactin, as well as about likely consequences hyperprolactinemia for women::

In pathological hyperprolactinemia, when an elevated level of the hormone is not detected during pregnancy or lactation, there may be violations of the genitals And reproductive function person.

What is prolactin for?

It is a hormone from the anterior pituitary gland. Its synthesis increases during pregnancy. It affects the preparation of the mammary glands for feeding, together with progesterone supports the activity corpus luteum pregnancy, which is important for maintaining pregnancy.

Subsequently, the hormone regulates the production of colostrum and then milk. An elevated level of prolactin in the blood remains until the end of feeding.

prolactin and pregnancy

Hyperprolactinemia is one of the factors that prevent pregnancy. So if a woman is breastfeeding, her chance of getting pregnant is very low. Well, if prolactin is elevated for another reason, then often women go to the doctor with complaints of difficulty conceiving.

Is it possible to get pregnant with elevated prolactin is of interest to many women. The answer to this question is ambiguous, since it depends on the level of the hormone and on the reasons that caused its increase.

An increase in prolactin by feedback causes a decrease in the synthesis of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. Insufficient synthesis of FSH and LH causes a violation of the reproductive function of a woman. In particular, there is a delay in menstruation, their absence or irregularity.

All this is due to insufficient hormonal support necessary for the maturation of the egg and ovulation. An immature egg, even if ovulation occurs, is usually incapable of fertilization and dies.

When prolactin is elevated, other symptoms occur:

decline sexual attraction;
galactorrhea or abnormal secretion of milk or colostrum;
hirsutism - hair in women grows on the face and chin, as in men;
the appearance of acne, acne and inflammation of the sebaceous glands;
metabolic disorders (osteoporosis, obesity and hyperinsulinemia);
psycho-emotional disorders (mood changes, headaches and depression).

Milk secretion with hyperprolactinemia is observed in 30% of women, the rest do not have this symptom, so you need to pay attention to such disorders as the regularity of the menstrual cycle.

A change in the side of the mammary glands, their increase, discharge from the ducts, should also alert.

This symptom should be the reason for going to the doctor, especially since elevated prolactin can cause not only infertility, but also miscarriage. So, his rise to early dates may cause miscarriage. Moreover, this condition can be observed not only in women, but also in men.

Hyperprolactinemia in men is also characterized by erectile dysfunction ( erectile disfunction) and prostate disease.

Causes of hyperprolactinemia

If prolactin is elevated, then the reasons for this may be different. Hyperprolactinemia is physiological and pathological. Physiological is normal in pregnant and lactating mothers.

It can be short-term and occur against the background of:

stress
overwork;
increased physical and emotional stress;
lack of sleep.

In some cases, the reasons for the increase in prolactin are so minor, for example, the fear of medical manipulations, examination by a gynecologist and testing. It is necessary to take this into account if you suspect hyperprolactinemia and carefully prepare for the test, take it several times.

The cause of hyperprolactinemia can be various diseases, oncopathology, disruption of some organs and systems and infections:

tuberculosis;
hypothyroidism;
cirrhosis of the liver;
polycystic ovary syndrome;
endometriosis;
myoma;
liver or kidney failure;
pituitary tumors.

Neoplasms of the pituitary gland often cause an increase in prolactin in the blood, and adenomas can produce only prolactin or several hormones at once. Therefore, during the examination, it is imperative to examine the area of \u200b\u200bthe “Turkish saddle”, in which the pituitary gland is located.

Another reason for the change in the level of prolactin is the use of certain medications, in particular hormonal drugs, painkillers, neuroleptics, some antiemetics and drugs to reduce blood pressure. This must be taken into account and warned the doctor if you are taking them.

Operations on the mammary glands, irradiation of the "Turkish saddle" can increase the level of prolactin, which will return to normal over time.

Diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia

An elevated level of prolactin in the blood can be diagnosed during a thorough examination of the patient, which, in addition to general inspection at the endocrinologist includes the following diagnostic studies:

blood test for prolactin and hormones thyroid gland;
skull x-ray. In order to survey the area of the "Turkish saddle";
consultation with an ophthalmologist to identify visual field disorders;
computed or magnetic resonance imaging.

An increased content of prolactin in the blood, in the absence of other data indicating a neoplasm in the pituitary gland, does not serve as evidence of a pathological process and requires re-examination. The patient is warned that it is required to prepare for the test.

Since the hormone can increase during physical exertion, stress, and it also depends on the day of the menstrual cycle, even during one day you can get different data on the content of prolactin, so blood is taken for analysis in the morning on an empty stomach.

A man can donate blood on any day, and it is advisable for a woman to know that in the second half of the cycle, the level of prolactin is elevated, and it is better to discuss the date of the analysis with the doctor in advance.

The maximum content of this hormone in the blood is considered to be 500 mIU / l, which corresponds to 25 ng / ml. All data above these values can be considered as a dubious result that needs to be rechecked.

The study of thyroid hormones is important for determining hyperproteinemia. Often, thyroid diseases affect the secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland by feedback. All these hormones have a similar structure, and the reverse regulation is carried out by the same types of receptors.

A high prolactin level of 200 ng/mL is indicative of a producing pituitary adenoma that requires mandatory treatment. On the x-ray of the skull, it can be detected by a number of signs, one of which is the smoothing of the "Turkish saddle". This symptom is observed in large pituitary adenomas. Small ones can only be detected with a tomographic scan.

An examination by an ophthalmologist can detect visual disturbances that occur when a pituitary tumor compresses ophthalmic nerves. First of all, the patient's complaints are associated with loss of visual fields, which can be checked using special ophthalmological tests.

Treatment of hyperprolactinemia

If the level of prolactin in the blood is elevated, then this does not always require treatment, in some cases the patient is examined and observed for some time. Sometimes the level of this hormone is restored on its own, if some provoking factors are excluded from the patient's life. In addition, in some cases, the treatment of concomitant endocrine diseases may also lower blood levels of prolactin.

Treatment is prescribed when a pituitary adenoma, galactorrhea, menstrual irregularities and infertility are detected.

The main methods of treatment are:

medicinal effect;
surgery;
radiotherapy.

If prolactin is elevated, then how to treat it can only be decided after a thorough examination of the patient.

When a pituitary microadenoma is detected, medications and prescribe dopamine agonists. The duration of the course of treatment will be approximately one year. At this time, the patient is required to periodically visit a doctor and take tests to determine it. With hyperprolactinemia, hormonal drugs (glucocorticoids, sex hormones and L-thyroxine) are also prescribed.

In cases of menstrual irregularities, it is required to maintain a schedule basal body temperature to get a clear picture of the effectiveness of the treatment.

Throughout the period drug therapy the level of prolactin in the body is monitored. In addition, a woman needs to constantly measure her basal temperature. The restoration of regular menstruation and a normal basal temperature chart in themselves indicate that the level of prolactin is returning to normal, and, therefore, a woman can become pregnant.

Use in treatment radiotherapy allows to reduce the size of the tumor. Irradiation destroys malignant cells, but, unfortunately, it also adversely affects healthy ones. Currently, high-precision equipment has been developed that allows you to direct the beam as accurately as possible so that the exposure of neighboring tissues is minimal. The effectiveness of treatment has become much higher, but at the same time it is impossible to completely avoid complications.

Along with the cells that synthesize prolactin, the pituitary cells responsible for the synthesis of sex and thyroid-stimulating hormones are also damaged. Therefore, many patients who have undergone a course of radiation therapy require replacement treatment and the appointment of hormonal drugs. In no case should you self-medicate and take any means without a doctor's prescription.

If a person has an increase in the level of prolactin in the blood, one should constantly be observed by an endocrinologist. You can get specialist advice about hyperprolactinemia in our AltraVita clinic, whose specialists have gained extensive experience in the treatment of this pathology.

A woman is considered healthy when her hormonal system is also healthy. An increase in prolactin is a serious deviation that can bring a huge number of problems. Any representative of the weaker sex reproductive age may face such a phenomenon that can make her not only sick, but also childless. In this article, we will talk about the symptoms, treatments, causes and consequences of elevated prolactin in women. Read the information provided carefully in order to arm and protect yourself as much as possible.

What is prolactin and what is its role in the female body?

Prolactin can be called the female sex hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland, as well as some other tissues and organs. It has the greatest impact on the reproductive capabilities of the female body. It contributes to the fact that a woman can successfully bear her child, and is also responsible for the process of delaying ovulation and the onset of the lactation process.

This hormone (you can read about the treatment of increased prolactin in women in this article) is able to actively influence many biological processes in a woman's body. Let's see which ones:

helps prevent a woman from getting pregnant while she is breastfeeding her baby naturally;
this hormone is also a natural pain reliever and, if necessary, can even lower the sensitivity threshold;
the hormone helps to increase the mammary glands so that a woman can feed her newborn baby;
it also contributes to the normalization metabolic processes in the body and is responsible for the smooth flow of the menstrual cycle.

Causes of increased prolactin in women

The consequences of such a phenomenon can be really terrible, so it is very important to figure out what causes the increase in prolactin. By doing this, you can save your health, as well as the health of your unborn baby. Of course, slight fluctuations in the amount of this hormone will not be able to pose a significant threat to your health. Treatment of elevated prolactin in women should be started immediately.

So, consider what factors can contribute to an increase in the level of this hormone:

stressful situations. Do not forget that stress almost always contributes to disruptions in the hormonal system of the body.
Use alcoholic beverages as well as excessive physical activity.

This hormone is also called the "stress hormone" because its level always rises when the body is under stressful conditions.

What pathologies indicate that the hormonal state is disturbed

The level of prolactin can increase not only under the influence of physiological and mental causes, but also due to the presence of certain pathologies in the body. Let's consider for what pathological reasons may change the level of prolactin in female body:

The occurrence of tumor-like formations in the part of the brain responsible for the production of this hormone.

Treatment of elevated prolactin in women should be to eradicate the cause of this phenomenon. Quite often, the level of this hormone is increased if a woman has hormonal imbalances, namely thyroid disease.
Also, the problem may appear due to the presence serious pathologies liver and kidneys, as well as with polycystic ovaries.

Increased hormone levels in pregnant women

Treatment of elevated prolactin in women should not be carried out if such a condition is observed in the fair sex during the bearing of a child or during the lactation period. This condition is considered absolutely normal. Prolactin is considered a hormone reproductive system, which means that it prepares the woman's body for childbirth and helps to future mom was able to feed her baby.

The hormone prolactin takes an active part in the process of fetal formation, and is also responsible for immune system child. At the same time, it provides breast milk.

Usually, during pregnancy, doctors do not study this hormone, as they know that it is pointless to do this.

Signs of elevated prolactin in women

Usually, an elevated level of this hormone is always accompanied by certain symptoms. However, in some cases, the symptoms are so erased and ambiguous that the patient does not see any need to consult a doctor, which only worsens his condition even more. Consider the main signs of increased prolactin in women:

prolonged absence of menstruation;
a woman fails to conceive a child for a long time;
the presence of milk discharge from the chest, not associated with lactation;
fast and sharp weight gain;
complete absence the process of ovulation;
the presence of severe and frequent headaches;
decreased level of sexual desire;

In fact, it is almost impossible to diagnose the problem on your own, since these symptoms are inherent in just a huge number of other pathologies.

What is the danger?

Many of the fair sex are interested in the question of what threatens increased prolactin in women. In fact, the main danger lies in the presence of a disease, due to which the level of this hormone in the body has increased. By itself elevated state does not pose a serious danger, but only on condition that it arose as a result of physiological changes in organism.

If some diseases are ignored for a long time, then a woman may experience ovarian dysfunction. At the same time, her periods will disappear and discharge from the mammary glands may occur.

Most often, the level of prolactin increases in the presence of benign tumors and cysts in those areas of the brain that are responsible for the synthesis of this hormone. Please note that such formations can turn from benign to malignant, which will end in death. A tumor in the brain will provoke the production of a large amount of prolactin, and this will lead to severe headaches and even partial or complete blindness.

Diagnostic Measures

It is very important to study what elevated prolactin in women affects. Improper production of this hormone has many negative consequences, And death including. Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor in order to check the condition of your hormonal system. You can contact an endocrinologist or a gynecologist, they will direct you to take tests. The first thing you will need to do is take a blood test to determine the hormonal levels. At bad results the doctor will also have you for an ultrasound, and may also recommend an MRI of the brain.

Many representatives of the beautiful half of humanity ask the question: "What should I do if prolactin is elevated in women?". Of course, urgently go to the hospital and do not try to self-medicate. Only an experienced doctor will help to make an accurate diagnosis, as well as prescribe treatment, taking into account individual characteristics your body.

Medical measures

If during the course of diagnostic measures it was found that the level of prolactin in women is elevated, it is very important to begin immediate treatment aimed at eliminating the pathologies that caused this condition.

If the patient has a tumor in the brain, the doctor will prescribe urgent medication, which is most often carried out quite successfully. However, in some cases it is still necessary to take more radical measures therefore, specialists may decide to perform a surgical intervention.

Most often, in order for the level of prolactin to return to normal, doctors prescribe various medications to their patients. medical preparations. "Dostinex" with increased prolactin in women is very popular, as this remedy really does its job perfectly.

There are also such medicines as Bromocriptine, Cybergoline, Pergolid, and many others. Please note that they can only be used as directed by your doctor. Self-medication can lead to complications and bad consequences.

Usually the course of treatment with these drugs lasts for two months, and during this time hormonal background organism is getting better. Application medical method treatment can quickly eliminate symptoms. However, if conservative treatment does not give positive results and the patient has a growing brain tumor, doctors strongly recommend urgent surgery.

Features of dietary nutrition

A diet with increased prolactin in women is not prescribed by specialists. Scientists to date have not been able to determine whether there are any products that allow women to lower the level of prolactin in the body. However, there is a certain list of products that should not be abused. Here is a list of foods that increase prolactin in women:

cottage cheese;
eggs;
fatty fish;
beans, peas and other legumes;
various types of cheeses.

As you can see, this list consists of protein products. It is proteins that can slightly increase the production of prolactin. However, in no case do not completely exclude protein foods from your diet. Try to just eat more rationally. Eat as many vegetables and herbs as possible, and include nuts and seeds in your diet.

How to lower prolactin levels without medication

Usually, a method of lowering prolactin levels without the use of medications is used if it is necessary to interrupt the lactation process. This can be done with several effective methods:

applying a tight bandage in the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary glands;
reduction in the amount of liquid consumed;
gradual weaning of the baby from the breast by increasing the time intervals between feeding;

There are also folk methods than to lower prolactin in women. This should include the use of herbal teas that have on the body diuretic effect, as well as the use of decoctions and tinctures that have a sedative effect on nervous system. It is also recommended to try to drink anti-inflammatory fees, they include components that help reduce the production of prolactin.

Preventive measures

With an increased level of this hormone, it is very important to clearly follow all the recommendations of your doctor and in no case self-medicate. So, let's consider what needs to be done in order for the hormonal system to be in a normal state:

minimize the use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco;
do it regularly physical exercise, but at the same time watch their intensity; it is better to exercise a little, but every day, than to do it once a week, but at a very intense pace;
try to avoid stressful situations; normalize the mode of rest and work, and also refuse the use of psychotropic medications;
pay attention to your diet; eat only foods that are healthy for your health, correctly distributing the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates consumed.

conclusions

The hormone prolactin can be very dangerous for women's health. Its increased production may indicate the presence of dangerous substances in the body. pathological processes, so be sure to contact a gynecologist (or endocrinologist) to check the status of your hormonal system. Keep in mind that any disease is always much easier to prevent than to cure later, so carefully monitor your health. Once you start taking care of yourself, your body will start taking care of you. If you feel any discomfort, then do not be afraid to consult a doctor, undergo an examination and pass everything necessary tests. Love yourself, take care of yourself, and then you will not be afraid of any pathologies. Be healthy!

Health should always be a priority for a person, and when something is broken, you want to quickly understand the problem and solve it.

And today I will talk about the causes of high prolactin in the blood, what it means, why it is elevated in women and why it is elevated in men, what is dangerous and what are the consequences.

Causes of high prolactin in the blood

Sometimes doctors are in a hurry with the diagnosis when they see an increase in the level of the hormone prolactin in the tests. But not always high rate speaks of pathology. So what can increase the content of the hormone in the blood? The reasons for the increase in prolactin can be divided into 2 groups:

Physiological, when an increase in the hormone is possible in absolutely healthy person.
Pathological, when there is an unhealthy process in the body, leading to an overestimation of the indicators.

Elevated prolactin in healthy people

Hormone levels may be higher than normal in a healthy person in the following situations:

Medical manipulations
Physical exercise and sports
Hypoglycemia (hunger)
Psychological stress
Pregnancy period
lactation period (breastfeeding)
Irritation of the nipple of the breast
Sex, masturbation
Rich protein intake

Increased prolactin before menstruation

Before menstruation, the level of prolactin may rise and this is a physiological phenomenon.

Excess hormone in various diseases

If you have ruled out all the causes of the physiological increase in prolactin levels, but the problem still persists, then you need to look for the root cause in another, possible disease.

An increase in prolactin in the blood can be with the following diseases:

Diseases of the hypothalamus (craniopharyngioma, germinoma, glioma, metastases, histiocytosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, arteriovenous defects, radiation exposure, damage to the pituitary stalk)

Diseases of the pituitary gland (mixed adenoma, craniopharyngioma, brain cysts, meningioma)

Other diseases (primary hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic prostatitis, chronic renal failure, cirrhosis of the liver, insufficiency of the adrenal cortex, congenital dysfunction of the adrenal cortex, estrogen-producing tumors, lesions chest: herpez zoster, etc., ectopic secretion of prolactin, i.e. secretion not by cells of the pituitary gland, cells of the apud-system or lymphocytes or endometrium, .

Elevated prolactin can also cause various medicines, such as:

neuroleptics (eglonil, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, etc.)
antiemetics (motilium and cerucal)
reserpine
methyldopa
narcotic drugs of the opiate series (morphine, promedol, etc.)
antidepressants (amitriptyline and its derivatives)
estrogens
histamine H2 receptor antagonists (ranitidine, cimetidine and others)
amphetamines
hallucinogens
verapamil

Why does prolactin increase in women?

Women are more likely to suffer from prolactin-related disorders than men. The etiology of female hyperprolactinemia is slightly different from that of men. There are reasons that you will not find in the strong half. So, for women, an increase in prolactin caused by:

hypothyroidism, i.e. reduced thyroid function
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
pituitary tumor
medications

Hypothyroidism and prolactin

PCOS and prolactin

In 30-60% of cases, hyperprolactinemia is detected in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. It is believed that this is due to the stimulating effect of estrone on the production of prolactin, which is elevated in this disease.

pituitary adenoma and prolactin

In women, as in men, there are tumors and other diseases of the brain, but much more often. Average age women at the same time - 36 years, and prolactinomas are not large sizes.

It is known that the hypothalamus has an inhibitory effect on the secretion of prolactin, and when this connection (hypothalamus and pituitary gland) is broken, prolactin begins to rise, which explains slight hyperprolactinemia when the pituitary stalk is damaged by a tumor.

Such tumors are also called pseudoprolactinomas. So, in 40% of patients with acromegaly, in 25% of patients with Itsenko-Cushing's disease and in 50% of patients with Nelson's syndrome, there is an increase in the level of prolactin in the blood.

Drugs affect prolactin

High prolactin occurs with the regular use of certain drugs, especially OK ( oral contraceptives), which contain estrogen. Women leave their feedback that the level of prolactin jumps immediately after the withdrawal of OK.

Quite often, in young people, the cause of high prolactin is the use of antidepressants and antiemetics. And sometimes the cause can not be found out and the disease is considered idiopathic.

Causes of increased prolactin in men

In men, high prolactin is found many times less often than in the fair half. And among the root causes have their own characteristics. Let's see what most often causes an excess of the hormone prolactin in the male half:

chronic prostatitis
cirrhosis of the liver
pituitary adenoma
medicines

Chronic prostatitis increases prolactin

In chronic prostatitis, men complain of a decrease in sexual function, as well as a decrease in desire, at the same time, they have an increased prolactin in the blood.

Why? Because of prolonged inflammation testosterone production decreases, resulting in a relative increase in the amount of estrogen . And estrogens, in turn, stimulate an increase in prolactin by the pituitary gland.

Cirrhosis of the liver and high prolactin

Since this disease most often affects men, it must be remembered that it can cause an increase in the amount of the hormone in the blood.

With cirrhosis of the liver, a moderately elevated prolactin in the blood is noted, and gynecomastia also develops, i.e. enlarged mammary glands in men. Especially often this happens with alcoholic cirrhosis. The reason is an increase in the content of estrogen, the presence of low T3 syndrome, a violation of protein metabolism.

Pituitary adenoma in men

most common cause increase in prolactin is a pituitary tumor, or rather, a benign adenoma. Among all adenomas, the most common tumor is from cells that produce prolactin, the so-called prolactinomas.

They can be large - macroprolactinomas (more than 10 mm in diameter), as well as small sizes - microprolactinomas (less than 10 mm in diameter). With prolactinomas, the level of prolactin is very high, on average it is more than 200 ng / ml or 4000 mU / l, but in rare cases these figures can be lower.

The average age of affected men is over 49 years. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with macroadenomas.

Medications that affect prolactin levels

Factors such as reception should not be ignored. medicines which can affect prolactin levels. Among them are often found drugs for the treatment of gastritis and peptic ulcer, drugs with psychotropic action, narcotic substances and hallucinogens.

What to do if prolactin is above normal?

After the reason is clarified, a reasonable question arises: “What to do?”. There are only two possible answers: to treat or not to treat. The choice is determined by the doctor based on the examination data.

In all other cases, treatment is necessary and the choice of method will depend on the cause that caused it. But I write about this in an article.

Why is high prolactin dangerous?

Actually, the increase in the hormone does not pose a danger to life. If the disease is caused by a pituitary adenoma, then with the growth of education in the pituitary gland, symptoms of compression of neighboring parts of the brain may increase.

For women, high prolactin is a serious obstacle to conceiving and having children. In men, prolactin in large numbers can cause a decrease in sexual function and sperm quality, blood of this may develop gynecomastia, i.e., an increase in the mammary glands.

The organism is complex mechanism where everything is interconnected. Hormones play an important role in the functioning of the body. During normal operation endocrine system man lives full life However, a deviation from the norm of one or the hormone leads to serious malfunctions. Today we will talk with you about prolactin, more precisely about the reasons for its increase and methods of treatment.

Prolactin is a protein produced by the anterior pituitary gland and contains 198 amino acids. The hormone stimulates the growth and development of the mammary glands during pregnancy, as well as the production of milk during lactation.

The norm is considered concentration of prolactin in the blood adult woman within 4-23 ng/ml, during pregnancy, the level of the hormone increases and is 34-386 ng / ml.

Hyperprolactinemia is now quite common. Due to the rhythm of life modern women, which is directly related to constant stress. This is how we smoothly moved on to talking about the reasons for the increase in prolactin in the blood.

Causes of an increase in prolactin

In addition to the stresses mentioned above, prolactin in the blood can also be increased by:
pituitary tumors,
Excessive physical activity
Violations sleep mode,
Frequent sexual contact
Past trauma or surgical treatment chest, as well as tumors of the chest,
Tuberculosis,
kidney failure,
Epilepsy (an increased level of prolactin is fixed in the first two hours after an attack),
Hypothyroidism (lack of thyroid hormones),
Liver disease, including alcoholic cirrhosis,
Taking medication. Some drugs provoke an increase in the level of prolactin in the blood, including tricyclic antidepressants, antihypertensives, antiulcers, estrogens, and many others.

Prolactin is elevated: causes

There are several objective signs of prolactinemia. In particular, women, in whose blood the concentration of this hormone is increased, have an irregular monthly cycle(amenorrhea). Menstruation can come every six months, and sometimes even less often, while there is scanty bleeding. This is because prolactin suppresses ovulation.

From the first symptom follows the second - infertility. Naturally, if ovulation does not come, there can be no talk of pregnancy. Therefore, if you cannot get pregnant for a long time, you should pay attention to the indicators of prolactin in the blood, perhaps its stabilization will help you find out that you are pregnant in the very near future. However, it is impossible not to report that with increased prolactin, there is a high probability of miscarriage in the first trimester of pregnancy, therefore, medical supervision is simply necessary.

Indirectly, galactorrhea can indicate prolactinemia, in other words, milk or colostrum begins to be released from the mammary glands of a non-nursing woman. As a rule, this is accompanied by soreness of the chest, its engorgement. But we should not forget that not only prolactin is responsible for the formation of milk, therefore, it will not be superfluous to find out the indicators of other hormones.

Common symptoms of elevated prolactin in the blood are also considered:
Decreased sexual desire, frigidity.
The growth of the mammary glands with the formation of cysts, mastopathy.
Osteoporosis (increased fragility, brittle bones),
Dryness of the vagina
Lack of orgasm
Decreased hair growth of the genitals
Acne (pimples),
Hirsutism (excessive growth of hair around the nipples, on the face, along the white line on the abdomen),
Increase in body weight.

If you have noticed at least one of the signs listed above, immediately consult a doctor. He will refer you for tests and prescribe necessary treatment. In order for the test results to be as accurate as possible, it should be remembered that a couple of days before blood donation, sweets should be excluded from the diet, physical activity should be limited, sexual intercourse should be abandoned, and drugs that can increase prolactin should be stopped.

How to treat high prolactin

Once a doctor has diagnosed prolactinemia, he or she must prescribe treatment. Traditionally, the level of prolactin in the blood is reduced with medications such as dostinex and bromocriptine. The first drug is considered more modern and effective, the exact dosage is determined by the endocrinologist, based on the results of the tests. In just a couple of weeks, prolactin levels return to normal. As for bromocriptine, it is currently prescribed less frequently, since the drug has a mass side effects, including headaches, fatigue, nausea.

To stabilize the level of prolactin in the blood, you can take and herbal decoctions and infusions. In particular, funds based on St. John's wort, hops, passionflower, elderberry, hawthorn, lemon balm, which are known to have a sedative effect.

And now the good news, which we could not help but tell you, dear readers of the online magazine site. It is believed that if the level of prolactin in the blood of a non-pregnant woman does not exceed 50 ng / ml, then in a third of patients, it will return to normal on its own, without taking expensive drugs. And if prolactin does not contain more than 40 ng / ml, then drug treatment is not necessary for 70% of women, since the jump in hormone levels was more likely associated with exposure to external stimuli.

In 90% of cases after drug treatment observed positive effect, but it is also impossible not to say that after discontinuation of treatment in 80%, prolactin may increase again.