You may not have heard the word "prolactin" before. But it's a very important hormone in our bodies, especially for women. So today we're going to talk about prolactin, what it does to our bodies, and what happens when its levels change, in a simple, understandable way. It's like talking to a friend.
What is Prolactin? Simply put...
Prolactin is a hormone. It is sometimes called "lactotropin" or simply PRL. Its main function is to help with lactation and to help some of the breast tissue grow. It is also involved in hundreds of other processes in our bodies. Your prolactin levels usually increase when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What service does prolactin provide to our body?
Prolactin is said to do a lot of work for our bodies, but it has two main functions:
- Stimulating the growth of mammary glands within the breast tissue. Simply put, prolactin prepares the parts of the breast that need to produce milk when a baby is about to be born.
- Supporting lactation and breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, the hormones prolactin, estrogen (another hormone), and progesterone (another hormone) work together to grow breast tissue and help produce milk. Specifically, these hormones work together to grow the tiny chambers inside the mammary glands that make and store milk, called mammary alveoli .
After your baby is born, the prolactin receptors, or sites where prolactin can be captured, increase in the mammary gland cells in your breasts. This is what causes milk to come out of your nipples, which is what causes lactation.
Think of it this way: prolactin is like a supervisor in a dairy factory. It's the one who oversees everything, making sure that milk production is going well and that milk is coming out.
Now here's another amazing thing. The way this hormone called prolactin works is a little different. We call it a 'positive feedback loop.' Simply put, when we secrete a little prolactin, it tells the pituitary gland in our brain, 'We need more prolactin, make more.' It's like giving more to a baby when it cries and asks for food. So when the baby sucks, that stimulation causes more prolactin to be produced. That keeps the milk coming. Isn't it amazing how our body systems work?
How is prolactin produced? Where does it come from?
The majority of prolactin in your body comes from the pituitary gland . This is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain. It makes and releases prolactin into your body. The hormones dopamine (a neurotransmitter) and estrogen control the production of prolactin. That is, they determine how much prolactin to make and when to make it.
What causes prolactin levels to change?
We now know that prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition, there are other situations where these levels can increase slightly, that is, temporarily. Let's look at what they are:
- Physical stress , for example, when feeling pain.
- When exercising.
- After eating a meal.
- After sexual intercourse.
- Nipple stimulation not related to breastfeeding.
- Injury to your chest area.
- In cases of epileptic seizures.
In these cases, even though prolactin levels increase, they usually return to normal after a while. It's not a big problem.
Hyperprolactinemia - persistently high prolactin levels
However, some medical conditions and medications can cause your prolactin levels to be very high for a long time. This is a condition we call hyperprolactinemia . The main cause of this is a condition called prolactinoma . This is a tumor that forms in the pituitary gland (pituitary adenoma). But don't be afraid of this tumor, most of the time these are not cancerous.
Common symptoms of hyperprolactinemia include:
- Difficulty having children (Infertility).
- Loss of interest in sex.
- A milky discharge from the breasts (galactorrhea) - This can happen even if you are not pregnant or not breastfeeding a baby.
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women.
- Erectile dysfunction in men.
Now you may be thinking, 'Oh, I don't know if I have these symptoms too.' For example, some women may have irregular periods or stop having them altogether. Some may have difficulty conceiving. Others may have a milky discharge from their breasts, even if they are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Men can also be affected by this condition. They may have a loss of interest in sex or have problems getting an erection. If this is something you are experiencing, it is best to see a doctor.
What causes abnormally low prolactin levels?
If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, your prolactin levels are usually low. That is normal. So, the only sign that you have abnormally low prolactin levels is if you do not produce any or very little breast milk after having a baby.
In these cases, a condition called hypopituitarism may be the cause. This is a rare condition in which your pituitary gland does not produce one or more of the hormones it normally produces.
But you should also remember this. Breastfeeding (lactation) is a very complex process. There can be many other reasons for low breast milk. Therefore, if your baby feels like they are not getting enough milk, it is important to seek medical advice without panicking.
How are prolactin levels measured?
There is a test that can check your prolactin levels. It is called a prolactin (PRL) test . This is done by taking a sample of your blood. If you have the symptoms of high prolactin levels mentioned earlier, your doctor may recommend this blood test. It also helps to see how your pituitary gland is functioning.
What should normal prolactin levels be like?
In general, normal prolactin values are as follows:
- For men: less than 20 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).
- For women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding: less than 25 ng/mL.
- For those who are pregnant or breastfeeding: 80 to 400 ng/mL.
However, these normal values may vary slightly from one laboratory to another. Therefore, be sure to check the normal range on your lab report. If you have any questions about your results, ask your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have symptoms of high prolactin levels (for example, irregular periods, milky discharge from the breasts, difficulty conceiving), be sure to see your doctor. He or she can do a simple blood test to check your prolactin levels.
If you are having problems with your breast milk supply, it can be very helpful to see a lactation consultant or breastfeeding medicine specialist .
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Prolactin is a very important hormone during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Other than that, you probably don't think much about it, unless you have symptoms of abnormally high prolactin levels (such as irregular periods, infertility).
The most important thing is, if you have any doubts or concerns about your prolactin levels, talk to your doctor about it. They are there to help you. There is no reason to be afraid or ashamed. With the right medical advice, many of these problems can be solved.
So, I hope you have a good clear understanding of Prolactin. Stay healthy!
` Prolactin, hormones, breastfeeding, lactation, pituitary gland, hyperprolactinemia, pregnancy
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