You’ve been trying to conceive for some time now with no luck, and your doctor does some tests and tells you that your prolactin level is high. If you’re not sure what prolactin is and whether it could be affecting your fertility, you are not the only one asking the question.
It is surprising that hyperprolactinemia (excessive prolactin) can have a negative impact on reproductive function. While the most common function of prolactin is related to pregnancy and lactation, excessive levels can occur at other times of the year when it disrupts the normal functioning of the other hormones and can also impact a woman’s ability to conceive. The good news? It happens to be the easiest hormone to treat among other hormonal causes of infertility. So, let’s discover together what it really is and what your fate could be if your prolactin level is high.
What is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone that is made by the pituitary gland, a small gland in the brain. Its main function is to develop the breasts and initiate milk production during pregnancy and lactation. Prolactin has, however, a function in the regulation of reproductive hormones as well. When present in normal amounts, it helps to promote general reproductive health. Prolactin is naturally elevated during pregnancy and nursing to aid lactation. At other times, too much can disrupt the normal process of fertility. Prolactin levels normally differ according to age, sex, and pregnancy. In case of elevated levels, one might need medical intervention.
What’s High Prolactin?
High prolactin is hyperprolactinemia. The condition of having excess prolactin secretion is called hyperprolactinemia. Excess prolactin may impact fertility levels. It disturbs the equilibrium of other things. They are vital for healthy ovum production and conception in the case of females and spermatogenesis in males. It can affect people of any age and can sometimes be only temporary, or it may be a permanent condition, depending on the cause.
Causes of High Prolactin
There are several reasons behind the high prolactin levels.
1. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Ordinarily, non-pregnant, non-lactating females have low prolactin. Higher levels can interfere with the release of hormones that help with ovulation, but it’s a very rare occurrence. It stops the body from losing an egg.
2. Pituitary Tumors
Sometimes it is a result of a noncancerous growth in the pituitary gland, known as a prolactinoma, that makes the gland secrete too much prolactin.
3. Thyroid Disorders
A person whose thyroid gland is not producing sufficient hormones (hypothyroidism) can make the pituitary gland release excess prolactin.
4. Certain Medications
Some drugs have the effect of raising prolactin levels these are
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Blood pressure medications
- Certain anti-nausea drugs
5. Stress
There is some evidence that physical or emotional stress may transiently stimulate prolactin. These elevations are typically low, but long-term stress can lead to hormonal imbalances.
6. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
In some women, having PMOS can also lead to a slight increase in prolactin levels and worsen the problem of ovulation and fertility.
7. Chest Injuries or Stimulation
Some individuals can have an injury or surgery or may be excessively stimulated in the chest area, causing the release of prolactin in excess. It is important to find out what is really causing the high “Prolactin” in order to determine the best treatment.
Symptoms of High Prolactin
Signs of increased prolactin may differ in severity, gender and age.
High Prolactin Level Symptoms in Women:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Missed periods (amenorrhea)
- Difficulty conceiving
- Reduced libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Breast tenderness
- Sudden lactation (Galactorrhea)
High Prolactin Level Signs in Men:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sperm production
- Infertility
- Decreased muscle mass
- Breast enlargement
- General Symptoms
If the pituitary tumour is the cause, a person can also have:
- Frequent headaches
- Blurred vision
- Vision changes
How Does High Prolactin Affect Fertility?
Hormonal balance is crucial for the reproductive system. This balance can be thrown off if prolactin is high. High levels of prolactin also block the gonadotropins that cause ovulation in females. If a woman does not have menstrual cycles at all, she will not have an egg released from her ovaries, and her chances of getting pregnant become lower.
Prolactin can also decrease levels of estrogen, resulting in irregular periods and diminished reproductive function. Excessive prolactin in males can reduce levels of the hormone testosterone. Reduced levels of testosterone can impact the development of sperm, sexual capability and fertility overall.
A slight increase in prolactin levels can affect reproductive hormones and reduce the chances of natural conception. However, the treatment of the underlying cause may improve fertility.
Can High Prolactin Cause Infertility?
Yes, increased prolactin can be a factor in infertility in women as well as men. In women, high levels of prolactin can suppress or cause abnormal ovulation. Conception only occurs if an egg is released, making pregnancy more difficult.High prolactin (PRL) in men may lead to low levels of the male sex hormone, testosterone, and affect sperm production. Fewer sperm and sperm of poor quality can increase the difficulty of getting pregnant.
Fortunately, infertility caused by high levels of prolactin can be treated. Many people become reproductively functional again and have the potential to become pregnant after normalisation of prolactin.
Why Does Future Fertility Planning Matter If You Have High Prolactin Levels?
In the case of high prolactin levels, future fertility planning is important because of the potential of hormonal imbalance delaying fertility. A lot of people don’t even know that their fertility is being affected by high prolactin levels until they start trying to conceive. Early diagnosis helps to timely intervene and avoid unnecessary postponement of family planning by the family.
There are several options for fertility planning, which include:
- Regular hormone monitoring
- Ovulation tracking
- Prospective control of prolactin levels.
- Seeing a fertility doctor for advice
- Treating any underlying disorders like PMOS/PCOS or thyroid issues.
Keeping the prolactin levels in check helps a woman to maintain fertility and, in fact, increase the chances of conception, but such management can be very costly. This is why couples who are aiming to conceive in the near future ought to consider a future fertility plan.
Also you can check your Fertility Score here –
https://safetree.in/safetree-fertility-calculator.html
Conclusion
Prolactin plays a very important role in reproductive and maternal health, but very high levels might cause fertility issues. Whether the high level is due to pituitary disorders, thyroid issues, medications, stress, or other factors, high prolactin levels can lead to a disruption in ovulation, hormone production affected, and conception becoming difficult. Being aware of symptoms, causes of high prolactin, and getting the right treatment on time can have quite a positive impact on fertility outcomes.
In many cases, it can be controlled, and it’s here where Safetree can help you control the financial side of this condition.
FAQs
1. What happens when prolactin levels are high?
Elevated prolactin levels may interfere with reproductive hormones’ balance, leading to irregular menstruation, problems with ovulation, lowered sex drive, and infertility.
2. Can high prolactin cause weight gain?
Indeed, some people with high prolactin levels may experience weight gain as a result of the hormonal imbalance and metabolic disorder
3. Is prolactin high in PCOS/PMOS?
Occasionally, women suffering from PMOS might have slightly elevated prolactin levels that are diagnosed since prolactin is linked with female hormones.
4. Does High Prolactin Cause Hair Loss?
Prolactin in large amounts can sometimes contribute to hair loss by causing a hormonal imbalance in the body.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. The information provided here should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any decisions related to health conditions, symptoms, or treatments, readers are advised to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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