Prolactin High Hormone and Its Functions
High Prolactin | Prolactin High is a peptide hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. It plays an important role in regulating the production and secretion of breast milk, especially during breastfeeding. However, prolactin also has other functions:
Production of Breast Milk: Prolactin stimulates milk production in the mammary glands in the postpartum period. This ensures that the breastfeeding process begins and continues.
Postpartum Uterus Recovery: Prolactin works with the oxytocin hormone to ensure that the uterus (womb) returns to its normal size after birth. This supports the healthy recovery of the uterus during the postpartum period.
Sexual Functions: Prolactin also has an effect on sexual functions. High prolactin levels can cause decreased libido and sexual dysfunction.
Immune Functions: Prolactin also has an effect on the immune system. It can regulate the activation of immune cells and the immune response.
Sodium and Water Balance: Prolactin plays a role in regulating sodium and water balance in the kidneys.
High Prolactin | These functions show that prolactin has a wide range of effects in the body. However, abnormal increases or decreases in prolactin levels can cause various health problems. Therefore, it is important to have balanced prolactin levels.
High Prolactin and Its Symptoms
High Prolactin | High prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) is the condition in which the prolactin hormone is found at higher than normal levels. This can occur for various reasons and can cause a number of symptoms. Here are the symptoms of high prolactin:
Menstrual Irregularities: One of the most common symptoms seen in women is irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Irregularities in menstruation can be in the form of decreased or complete cessation of menstrual bleeding.
Galactorrhea: High prolactin can cause the secretion of a milk-like fluid (galactorrhea) from the breasts. This can be seen in women who are not breastfeeding.
Gynecomastia: This is a symptom that can be seen in men. High prolactin can cause breast tissue to grow (gynecomastia).
Fertility Problems: Increased prolactin levels can lead to fertility problems in women. Menstrual irregularities and disorders in ovarian function can reduce the chance of pregnancy.
Decreased Libido: High prolactin can cause decreased libido in both women and men. Decreased sexual desire and sexual dysfunction can be seen.
Headaches and Vision Problems: High prolactin levels caused by pituitary tumors, such as prolactinomas, can cause headaches and vision problems.
Effects on Bone Health: Long-term high prolactin levels can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.
High Prolactin | Symptoms of high prolactin can vary from person to person, and symptoms often depend on how high prolactin levels are and the underlying cause. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Causes of High Prolactin
High Prolactin | High prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) can be caused by a number of different things. These include:
Prolactinoma: One of the most common causes is a tumor in the pituitary gland. These tumors, called prolactinomas, can cause the pituitary gland to secrete too much prolactin. Prolactinomas are usually benign tumors, but in some cases they can cause symptoms.
Pituitary Gland Diseases: Pituitary gland diseases can interfere with the normal functioning of the pituitary gland and cause high prolactin levels. For example, inflammation of the pituitary gland (hypophysitis), surgical removal of the pituitary gland, or radiation therapy to the pituitary gland can cause high prolactin levels.
Hormonal Changes: In some cases, increased prolactin levels can be caused by hormonal changes. Prolactin levels can naturally increase, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, sexual intercourse, stress, and sleep.
Medications: Some medications can increase prolactin levels. For example, certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiemetics, and high blood pressure medications, can increase prolactin levels.
Thyroid Problems: An overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism) thyroid gland can cause increased prolactin levels.
Kidney Failure: Kidney failure can cause increased prolactin levels because the kidneys normally clear prolactin.
Other Causes: In some cases, the cause of increased prolactin levels cannot be determined. In this case, it is called “idiopathic hyperprolactinemia.”
High Prolactin | Identifying the underlying cause of high prolactin is important to determine appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing increased prolactin levels.
Recommendations for Lowering Prolactin Levels
High Prolactin | There are various methods and recommendations to lower prolactin levels. However, after determining the underlying cause of high prolactin, the most appropriate treatment method and recommendations should be determined by the doctor. Here are general recommendations to lower prolactin levels:
Drug Therapy: If you are experiencing high prolactin due to tumors in the pituitary gland, such as prolactinoma, your doctor may recommend drug therapy. Drugs called dopamine agonists can be used effectively to lower prolactin levels. These drugs can reduce the release of prolactin, reducing the size of the tumor or relieving symptoms.
Pituitary Surgery: In rare cases, large tumors, such as prolactinomas, may not respond to drug therapy. In this case, your doctor may recommend pituitary surgery. Removing the tumor in the pituitary gland can normalize prolactin levels and relieve symptoms.
Stress Management: Stress can increase prolactin levels. Therefore, practicing stress management techniques can lower prolactin levels. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular exercise can help reduce stress.
Healthy Diet: A healthy and balanced diet can help regulate prolactin levels. Consuming nutrients such as antioxidants, B vitamins, and zinc can support hormone balance. In particular, a diet plan that includes fiber, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats can balance prolactin levels.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help balance prolactin levels. It is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Exercise can also reduce stress and improve overall health.
Sleep Pattern: Getting enough and quality sleep can help regulate prolactin levels. Getting approximately 7-9 hours of sleep each night is important to maintain hormone balance.
High Prolactin | Individuals with high prolactin should definitely consult a healthcare professional before implementing these recommendations. It is important to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
The Relationship Between Nutrition and High Prolactin
High Prolactin | Diet can have a significant impact on prolactin levels. Consumption of certain foods can either increase or decrease prolactin levels. Here are some points that detail the relationship between diet and high prolactin:
High Protein Foods: High protein foods can increase prolactin levels. In particular, animal protein sources such as red meat, chicken, fish, dairy products, and eggs can stimulate prolactin release. However, it is important to keep protein intake balanced, and excessive protein consumption can lead to other health problems.
High Fat Foods: Some studies suggest that high fat foods can increase prolactin levels. Saturated fats, trans fats, and processed fats in particular can increase prolactin levels. Therefore, it is important to choose foods that contain healthy fats. Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive oil, avocado, and fish oil, can balance prolactin levels.
Dairy Products: Milk and dairy products naturally contain high amounts of prolactin. Therefore, individuals with high prolactin levels may want to limit dairy products or choose alternatives.
Plant-Based Foods: It is thought that some plant-based foods, especially soy and soy products, may increase prolactin levels. Soy contains plant estrogens called phytoestrogens, and these estrogens may have similar effects to some hormones. However, studies have shown mixed results on this subject and more studies are needed to reach a definitive conclusion.
Phytoestrogens: Phytoestrogens found in some plant-based foods may affect prolactin levels. In particular, consumption of foods containing phytoestrogens, such as flaxseed, peas, beans and nuts, may balance prolactin levels.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants fight free radicals in the body and may help maintain hormonal balance. Consumption of foods containing antioxidants, such as colorful vegetables, fruits, green tea and spices, may help balance prolactin levels.
High Prolactin | The effects of nutrition on prolactin levels can be complex and vary from person to person. Therefore, it is important for individuals with high prolactin to discuss their nutrition plans with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra ÖZBAŞLI. Assoc. Esra ÖZBAŞLI recommends an appropriate nutrition plan according to the person’s specific condition and prolactin levels.