If you are a pregnant mother, a nursing mother, or someone who is expecting a baby, you have probably heard the name "prolactin". This is a very important hormone in our body, especially in women, which is involved in many things, such as fertility and breast milk production. So let's talk about it simply and politely today.
Simply put, what is prolactin?
Think of our body as a big factory with specialists for each job. Hormones are the messengers that carry messages to keep this factory running smoothly. Prolactin , also known as Lactotropin or PRL, is one such important messenger.
Although this hormone is involved in hundreds of functions in our body, it has two main duties:
1. Aiding in the production of breast milk (Lactation): The main reason a mother can produce milk for her baby is the hormone prolactin.
2. Contributes to breast development: This hormone is responsible for developing the milk-producing glands in the breasts, especially during pregnancy, and preparing them for breastfeeding.
Simply put, it is this prolactin hormone that commands our body to produce the most precious gift called "breast milk" that is needed to satisfy the baby's hunger after having a baby.
Where does this hormone Prolactin come from? How does it work?
Beneath our brains, there is a small but very powerful gland about the size of a small pea called the Pituitary Gland . It is like the "control room" of our body's hormonal system. It is from this control room that prolactin is produced in large quantities and released into the blood.
But this doesn't just happen. There are two masters that control the pituitary gland, telling it to make prolactin and telling it to stop making it.
- Dopamine: This is a neurotransmitter in our brain. Dopamine works by minimizing the production of prolactin. That is, dopamine keeps prolactin from increasing too much.
- Estrogen: This is a key female hormone. Estrogen helps increase prolactin production.
As estrogen levels increase during pregnancy, prolactin production also increases. This causes the milk-producing glands (mammary alveoli) in the breasts to develop and prepare to produce milk for the baby.
What's really amazing is that after the baby is born, when the baby is sucking on the mother's breast, that message goes straight to the brain and tells the pituitary gland to "make more prolactin." As prolactin increases, more milk is produced. We call this a positive feedback loop . That is, once the process starts, it stimulates the same process even more.
Why do prolactin levels change suddenly?
Prolactin levels are not always the same. Sometimes they increase naturally, and sometimes they increase due to an illness.
Situations where Prolactin levels naturally increase
These things can cause your prolactin levels to rise temporarily, meaning only for a short time. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
- Physical stress: When you feel intense pain.
- Exercise: After a good workout.
- Eating: After a meal.
- Sexual intercourse: After the sexual act.
- Breast stimulation: If the breasts are stimulated outside of breastfeeding.
- Chest injury: If there is any accident or injury to the chest area.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Prolactin levels are naturally very high during these times.
Abnormally high prolactin levels (Hyperprolactinemia)
Some medical conditions or medications can cause prolactin levels to remain abnormally high for a long time. This condition is medically known as hyperprolactinemia .
The main cause of this is a condition called prolactinoma . This is a small, non-cancerous tumor (usually) that develops in the pituitary gland. This tumor secretes the hormone prolactin unnecessarily.
When prolactin levels become abnormally high, the following symptoms may occur.
| Symptom | Who is affected and a simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Infertility | It can affect both women and men. When prolactin levels increase, it interferes with ovulation and sperm production. |
| Irregular monthly menstrual cycle | It affects women. Menstruation may become irregular, late, or stop altogether. |
| Milky discharge from the breasts (Galactorrhea) | This condition can occur in a woman or man who is not pregnant or breastfeeding. |
| Decreased sexual desire | Common to both women and men. |
| Erectile dysfunction | Affects the male sex. |
Can prolactin levels be abnormally low?
Yes, it can happen. But it's very rare. Usually, if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, your prolactin levels are low. That's a healthy state.
So, the only sign that prolactin levels are abnormally low is the lack of breast milk production after having a baby .
In this case, the cause may be a condition called hypopituitarism . This means that the pituitary gland does not produce one or more of the necessary hormones. This is also a very rare condition.
But you should also remember this. Low prolactin levels are not the only reason why a mother may have low milk supply. There can be many other factors that contribute to it. Therefore, if you are having breastfeeding problems, it is best to see a specialist or a breastfeeding consultant about it.
How do you measure your Prolactin levels?
This is very simple. Your doctor can order a blood test (PRL test) to check the level of prolactin in your blood. This is just like a regular blood test. If you have the symptoms mentioned above and suspect that your pituitary gland is working properly, your doctor will order this test.
What are normal prolactin levels?
The table below shows the normal range for prolactin levels in a healthy person. However, these values may vary slightly from lab to lab. Therefore, it is important to check the "Normal Range" section of your report.
| Category | Normal value (ng/mL) |
|---|---|
| Men | Less than 20 ng/mL |
| Non-pregnant and non-breastfeeding women | Less than 25 ng/mL |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding women | Between 80 and 400 ng/mL |
If you have any concerns about your results, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
When should you see a doctor about prolactin?
If you think you have any of the symptoms of high prolactin levels we discussed above (such as irregular periods, infertility, and a milky discharge from your breasts), see your doctor immediately . He or she can run tests, find the cause, and prescribe treatment if necessary.
If you are a breastfeeding mother and have a problem with insufficient milk supply, seek medical advice about that as well.
Prolactin is a hormone that is essential for pregnancy and breastfeeding. But other than that, we don't think much about it until unusual symptoms appear. So be aware of the changes in your body. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Prolactin is a hormone that is primarily essential for breast milk production and breast development.
- This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.
- Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Abnormally high prolactin levels (Hyperprolactinemia) can cause problems such as infertility and irregular menstrual cycles.
- If you have symptoms like these, don't panic and consult your doctor immediately for advice.
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