Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small organ located in the brain. The main function of prolactin is to stimulate breast milk production in women after childbirth. However, prolactin also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle and suppressing fertility during breastfeeding. In men, prolactin influences the production of sex hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A high prolactin value (hyperprolactinaemia) means that there is more prolactin in the blood than normal. This can have various causes, such as pregnancy, stress, certain medications or a condition affecting the pituitary gland. A low prolactin value is rare and usually has no major consequences, but it may indicate a problem with the pituitary gland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a high prolactin value, women may experience absent periods, irregular periods, milk discharge from the breasts without pregnancy, or difficulty becoming pregnant. Men may experience reduced libido, erectile problems or milk discharge from the nipples. A low prolactin value usually does not cause noticeable symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prolactin can affect the menstrual cycle. A high prolactin value can cause periods to stop or become irregular, making it more difficult to become pregnant. In men, a high prolactin value can also reduce fertility by disrupting the production of sex hormones and sperm cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prolactin levels can be elevated due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, certain medications (such as antidepressants or antipsychotics), a benign tumour of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma), or thyroid problems. A low value is rare but can occur due to damage to the pituitary gland or after surgery in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is advisable to measure prolactin if you have symptoms such as absent periods, unexplained milk discharge from the breasts, fertility problems or sexual problems without an obvious cause. Measuring prolactin can also be useful in men with unexplained symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prolactin is measured using a finger prick blood test. Your doctor compares your result with the normal values for your age and sex. A slightly elevated value may, for example, be caused by stress, while a significantly elevated value may indicate a condition affecting the pituitary gland. Your doctor will always consider the complete picture, including your symptoms and other test results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Sometimes it is sufficient to adjust or stop a medication that is increasing the prolactin level. If there is a tumour in the pituitary gland, medication or sometimes surgery may be required. If stress is the cause, relaxation or reducing stress may help. A low prolactin value usually does not require treatment. Your doctor will discuss the best approach for your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a doctor. If your symptoms persist or you are concerned, always contact your doctor.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"biomarker_category":[595],"biomarker_material":[],"class_list":["post-11018228","biomarker","type-biomarker","status-publish","hentry","biomarker_category-female-hormones"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n