Are you having irregular menstrual periods along with milk discharge from your nipples? Are persistent headaches and vision problems taking a toll on your daily chores? This could be a result of high prolactin levels in the body. The condition is called hyperprolactinemia, which can cause various symptoms in both men and women. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Bhavya Saxena, Consultant Pathologist, Global Reference Laboratory, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, explains its causes and warns against the complications associated with it.
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What Is Prolactin?
“Prolactin (PRL), also known as lactotropin, is a hormone produced and secreted in both males and females from anterior pituitary gland,” explained Dr Saxena, adding, “PRL is formed as a prehormone, when preprolactin molecule is cleaved, resulting in PRL poly-peptide. This monomeric form of PRL is the major circulatory type and is biologically and immunologically active.”
According to the doctor, prolactin is important for steroid hormones, initiation and maintenance of lactation, ductal and lobular alveolar growth in the breast, metabolism of calcium and Vitamin D. Additionally, the concentration of prolactin varies in blood with eating, sleeping, hormonal treatments, ovulation, nursing, mating, exercising and peaks in early mornings.
What Is Hyperprolactinaemia?
Dr Saxena said, “Hyperprolactinemia occurs due to high levels of monomeric PRL, which is a result of excess production or compression of the pituitary stalk by pituitary tumours called prolactinomas.”
Hyperprolactinemia is characterised by abnormally high levels of prolactin hormone in the blood. Prolactin is primarily responsible for stimulating milk production in women after childbirth. However, in cases of hyperprolactinemia, the elevated levels of prolactin can disrupt the normal functioning of the reproductive system in both men and women.
That said, the condition is associated with ovarian dysfunction in women and erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low concentration of sperm, reduced sperm motility in men, added Dr Saxena.
According to the doctor, the Gel Filtration Chromatography (GFC) is known to be the gold standard for detecting macro prolactin, but it is time-consuming and a cumbersome method.
Causes Of High Prolactin Levels
Hyperprolactinemia can be caused by various factors, including:
Prolactinoma
This is a noncancerous tumour of the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. Prolactinomas are the most common cause of hyperprolactinemia.
Medications
Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and medications used to control high blood pressure, can increase prolactin levels.
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Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid gland can cause elevated prolactin levels.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Impaired kidney function can disrupt the clearance of prolactin from the bloodstream, leading to increased levels.
The symptoms of hyperprolactinemia can vary depending on the underlying cause and the individual. Symptoms may include:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Galactorrhea (abnormal breast milk production)
- Infertility
- Decreased libido
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Vision problems
Role Of Prolactin Level Test
A prolactin test helps diagnose elevated prolactin levels in the blood. The test helps identify the underlying causes of hyperprolactinemia and also allows healthcare providers to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for hyperprolactinemia or prolactinomas and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, prolactin level tests can provide information about the functioning of the pituitary gland, which produces and regulates prolactin hormone. Lastly, it evaluates fertility issues by determining whether elevated prolactin levels are contributing to menstrual irregularities or infertility in women.
