What is prolactin? How is it important for your body?

You've probably heard the name 'Prolactin', especially during pregnancy or if you're a breastfeeding mother . But have you ever wondered what exactly is prolactin, and why is it so important to our bodies? Today, let's talk about it simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is Prolactin?

Simply put, prolactin is a special chemical messenger, or hormone, produced in our bodies. It is also called 'lactotropin', and sometimes abbreviated as `(PRL)' by doctors. It is mainly responsible for milk production, that is , lactation, and the development of certain tissues in the breasts . However, prolactin is not limited to that. It contributes to hundreds of other processes in our bodies. Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your prolactin levels are usually high.

What are the main functions of Prolactin?

As we mentioned before, prolactin is involved in a lot of things in our body. But there are two main functions. They are:

• Stimulating the growth of mammary glands in breast tissue.
• Supporting lactation and breastfeeding.

Let's look at each of these in a little more detail.

How to help breast growth

When you become pregnant, your body begins to prepare for your baby in a miraculous way. During this time, the hormone prolactin, along with two other important hormones , estrogen and progesterone , helps your breast tissue grow and produce milk. Specifically, these hormones work together to develop the tiny sac-like structures in your breasts called mammary alveoli . These mammary alveoli are where your milk is made and stored. Think of it like your milk factory is getting ready for baby to arrive.

Lactation and breastfeeding support

After your baby is born, the number of prolactin receptors in the mammary alveoli cells in your breasts increases. This is like the gates for milk to come out increase. This is why milk starts to flow out of the nipple, which is what causes lactation .

There is another amazing thing about prolactin. It is one of the few hormones that has a 'positive feedback loop'. Simply put, when prolactin is released, it sends another signal to our pituitary gland to 'produce more prolactin'. It's like when we do a good job, someone else encourages us and tells us to 'do better'. When the baby sucks, that stimulation releases more prolactin. Then the baby gets plenty of milk. Isn't this a wonderful natural process?

Where does prolactin come from?

The majority of prolactin produced in your body comes from the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of your brain. This gland is what makes prolactin and releases it into the body. The production of prolactin is controlled by the neurotransmitter dopamine and the hormone estrogen . These are like the master controllers of prolactin production.

What causes prolactin levels to change?

Prolactin levels can fluctuate for a variety of reasons. Some changes are normal, but some are something to be concerned about.

Times when levels rise normally

We now know that prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, in some other situations, prolactin levels may increase slightly temporarily, meaning only for a short time. Such situations include:

• Physical stress: For example, when you feel severe pain.
• Exercising: When you exercise hard.
• After eating.
• After having sex.
• Nipple stimulation unrelated to breastfeeding: It can be caused by certain clothing or other reasons.
• Another wound to the chest area.
• Seizures.

Prolactin levels may increase slightly during times like this, but they usually return to normal quickly.

Persistently high levels of prolactin - Hyperprolactinemia

Some medical conditions and some medications can cause your prolactin levels to remain high for a long time. This is a condition that doctors call hyperprolactinemia . The most common cause of this is a pituitary adenoma , a tumor that develops in the pituitary gland called a prolactinoma . However, these tumors are usually not cancerous.

Common symptoms of hyperprolactinemia include:

• Infertility : Difficulty having children.
• Decreased sexual desire.
• A milky discharge from the breasts when not pregnant (galactorrhea).
• Irregular menstruation: Women's irregular menstrual cycles .
• Erectile dysfunction in men.

Imagine a young woman named Nimali who wants to have a baby. But her periods are irregular and sometimes don't come for months. In addition, even though she is not pregnant, she has a milky fluid coming out of her breasts. If she has these symptoms, the cause may be high prolactin levels, which is called hyperprolactinemia. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical advice.

Causes of abnormally low prolactin levels

If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, your prolactin levels are usually low. Therefore, the only sign that your prolactin levels are abnormally low is a lack of breast milk production after having a baby.

In these cases, the cause may be a condition called hypopituitarism . This is a very rare condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce one or more of the hormones it normally produces.

But one thing to remember is that breastfeeding is a very complex process. There can be many other reasons for low milk supply. Therefore, if you have a problem like not enough milk, it is best to consult a doctor or a breastfeeding specialist for advice.

What is the test that measures prolactin levels?

There is a simple blood test that can measure the level of prolactin in your blood. This is called the prolactin (PRL) test . If you have symptoms that suggest you have high prolactin levels (like the symptoms we discussed earlier), your doctor may recommend this blood test. It can also help assess how well your pituitary gland is working.

What should normal prolactin levels be like?

Generally, accepted values ​​for prolactin levels are as follows:

• For a male: Less than 20 nanograms per milliliter (20 ng/mL) .
• For a woman who is not pregnant or breastfeeding: Less than 25 nanograms per milliliter (25 ng/mL) .
• For a pregnant or breastfeeding woman:It can range between 80 and 400 nanograms per milliliter (80 to 400 ng/mL).

But keep in mind that these normal ranges may vary slightly from lab to lab. So, check the normal ranges listed on your lab report. If you have any questions about your results, it's best to ask your doctor.

When should I see a doctor about my prolactin levels?

If you have symptoms that suggest you have high prolactin levels (for example, irregular periods, infertility, or breast milk when you're not pregnant), be sure to see your doctor. He or she can order a simple blood test to check your prolactin levels.

If you are having problems with your milk supply, such as not enough milk, see a specialist, such as a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding specialist.

Finally, the most important thing

Prolactin is a very important hormone during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, you may not even think about it until you start experiencing symptoms (such as irregular periods or infertility) that indicate that your prolactin levels are abnormally high.

Remember, if you have any doubts or concerns about your prolactin levels, never hesitate to talk to a doctor. They are here to help you. They are ready to listen to your questions, perform the necessary tests, and provide you with the most appropriate treatment.

` Prolactin, hormones, breastfeeding, pregnancy, pituitary gland, hyperprolactinemia, women's health