High Prolactin Levels: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and more

High prolactin levels which is also known as Hyperprolactinemia. This issue can cause problems when you’re trying to get pregnant. Prolactin is a hormone that helps with breast milk after childbirth but if the levels become too high then it can affect other hormones in your body. This can lead to irregular periods, no ovulation, and difficulty to get pregnant. There are many people who don’t know they have high prolactin until they face problems with their menstrual cycle or fertility.

Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) at RISAA IVF has helped many couples who faced fertility problems due to hormone issues like high prolactin. In this blog, we will explain everything about high prolactin levels. We will include what causes it, its signs, how it affects fertility, and more.

What are High Prolactin Levels?

High prolactin levels means that your body is making too much of a hormone called prolactin. This hormone is made by the pituitary gland, which is a small gland that is located at the base of the brain. Prolactin plays a very important role in helping women to produce breast milk after childbirth. But when the levels become too high in people who are not pregnant or breastfeeding then it can cause health problems.

In both men and women, high prolactin levels can affect the balance of other hormones. This may lead to irregular periods, fertility problems, low sex drive, or even unwanted milk production. It’s important to know that high prolactin is treatable, especially if it’s diagnosed early.

How Prolactin Affects Fertility?

Prolactin is a hormone that helps the body to make breast milk after childbirth. But when prolactin levels are too high in people who are not pregnant or breastfeeding then it can affect the balance of other hormones. This can affect the ability to get pregnant in men and women.

In women, high prolactin can stop the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly and this can lead to missed or irregular periods. In men, it can lower testosterone levels, reduce sperm production, and also affect sexual health. This link between prolactin and infertility is important because it can reduce the chances of natural conception if not treated in time.

Causes of High Prolactin in Women and Men

High prolactin levels can affect the balance of fertility and hormones in women and men. High prolactin levels can also affect ovulation in women and lower testosterone in men. And this can make it difficult for them to get pregnant. So, it’s important to understand the causes of high prolactin in both genders to get early diagnosis and treatment.

Causes in Women:

• • Pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma)
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)
• Certain medicines (like antidepressants or antipsychotics)

Causes in Men:

• Pituitary gland tumor
• Low testosterone
• Chronic stress
• Chest injury or surgery
• Kidney or liver problems
• Certain medications affecting dopamine or hormones

Symptoms Of Hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia means having high prolactin levels, which is a hormone made by the pituitary gland. This condition can affect men and women and may show different signs depending on the person. So, it’s important to recognize these symptoms early to get the right treatment.

Common Symptoms in Women:

• Irregular or missed periods
• Milky discharge from breasts (when not pregnant or breastfeeding)
• Issues in getting pregnant
• Low sex drive
• Pain or tenderness in the breasts

Common Symptoms in Men:

• • Low sex drive
  • Difficulty getting or keeping an erection

• Infertility

• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Reduced facial or body hair

How High Prolactin is Diagnosed?

High prolactin is usually found through a simple blood test if you are noticing symptoms like missed periods, nipple discharge, or difficulty in getting pregnant. If your prolactin level is high then doctors may do more tests to understand the reason.

Here’s how high prolactin is usually diagnosed:

• Blood Test: It helps to measure prolactin levels in the body.
• Thyroid Function Test: This helps to check if thyroid problems are causing high prolactin levels.
• MRI Scan: This looks at the pituitary gland for any growth or tumour.
• Other Hormone Tests: This helps to check the overall hormone health.
• Review of Medicines: There are some medicines that can increase prolactin levels.

Treatment For Hyperprolactinemia

Prolactin hormone imbalance can affect fertility and the overall hormonal health. High prolactin levels may stop ovulation in women or reduce testosterone and sperm production in men. However, hyperprolactinemia can often be treated with simple steps if it is diagnosed early.

Some common treatment options include the following:

• Medicines – Drugs like cabergoline or bromocriptine help to lower prolactin levels.
• Treating thyroid issues – If low thyroid is the cause then thyroid medicine may help to balance hormones.
• Changing current medications – If a medicine is raising prolactin then your doctor may adjust it.
• Surgery – In rare cases, surgery is needed if a tumor is causing the prolactin hormone imbalance.
• Regular checkups – Ongoing blood tests help to track the progress and keep the levels normal.

Note: It’s very important to follow your doctor’s advice before following any treatment. Never start or stop any medicine without medical guidance. Early diagnosis and the right support can help to manage the hormone levels and improve your fertility.

Prolactinoma And Pregnancy: Can You Get Pregnant With High Prolactin?

Yes, you can get pregnant with high prolactin but it may be more difficult without treatment. High prolactin levels can stop ovulation, which means your body may not release an egg every month. This can lower your chances of getting pregnant. However, there are many women who can get pregnant with the right treatment.

A common reason for high prolactin is a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland, which is called a prolactinoma. In such cases, your doctor may give medicines to lower prolactin levels and help your periods to become normal.

If you’re trying to get pregnant and have irregular periods, milky discharge from the breasts (not related to breastfeeding), or no periods at all then it’s a good idea to get your prolactin levels checked. Early diagnosis and the right treatment can improve your chances to become pregnant.

Tips to Manage Prolactin Levels Naturally

High prolactin levels can affect your hormones and fertility but there are some natural steps that may help to control them. These methods are simple, safe, and can support your overall health. However, always talk to your doctor before making any changes.

Natural Tips to Manage Prolactin Levels:

• Lower stress levels: Chronic stress can raise prolactin so it’s good to try calming activities like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.
• Get enough sleep: Poor sleep can affect hormone levels, including prolactin. It’s best to get 7–8 hours of good quality sleep each night.
• Eat a balanced diet: Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins. It’s important to avoid too much sugar and processed food.
• Exercise regularly: Try gentle physical activity like walking or light workouts can help to balance your hormones.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine: Both can sometimes affect hormone regulation.
• Check your medications: There are some medicines, like antidepressants or blood pressure drugs, that can raise prolactin.

Note: These natural tips may support your health but are not a replacement for medical treatment. It’s important to always follow your doctor’s advice and go for regular check-ups if you have high prolactin.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to understand high prolactin levels, especially if you’re trying to conceive or facing unexplained fertility issues. In this blog, we’ve explained what high prolactin is, how it affects men and women, the common symptoms, causes, and more. We’ve also shared helpful tips to manage prolactin levels naturally and when to seek treatment. It’s important to know to make informed decisions and find the right care at the right time.

At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Infertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has supported many patients who are dealing with prolactin-related infertility. Whether you’re concerned about hormone levels, irregular cycles, or fertility health, we are here to guide you. Call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email [email protected] for expert advice and support.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Does PCOS cause high prolactin?

Yes, sometimes PCOS can be linked with slightly high prolactin levels. But not everyone with PCOS has this issue. A doctor can help check and guide you better.

• Can a girl with high prolactin get pregnant?

Yes, pregnancy is possible. But high prolactin can affect ovulation. With proper treatment and care, many women with high prolactin have conceived successfully.

• Is prolactin high during periods?

Prolactin levels can slightly change during your menstrual cycle, but they usually stay within the normal range unless there’s an issue like a hormone imbalance.

• Can lack of sleep cause high prolactin?

Yes, not getting enough sleep or being under stress can affect your hormone levels and might increase prolactin. A healthy lifestyle can help manage this.