Is prolactin a stress hormone?

Prolactin (PRL) is one of the most versatile hormones known. It is considered an adaptive hormone due to the key roles it plays in the modulation of the stress response and during pregnancy and lactation.

What causes prolactin to increase?

Its hormones help regulate important functions such as growth, metabolism, blood pressure and reproduction. Other possible causes of prolactin overproduction include medications, other types of pituitary tumors, an underactive thyroid gland, ongoing irritation to the chest, pregnancy and breast-feeding.

How does prolactin affect the body?

High prolactin levels trigger the body to make milk for breastfeeding. In women who aren’t pregnant, prolactin helps regulate the menstrual cycle (periods). In men, prolactin affects sperm production.

Can prolactin cause weight gain?

High levels of prolactin can also result in weight gain and neuropsychological disturbances. The size of the tumor correlates with the amount of prolactin secreted. Larger tumors can cause mass effects by compression of local structures.

How can I overcome prolactin?

Treatment for high prolactin levels

  1. changing your diet and keeping your stress levels down.
  2. stopping high-intensity workouts or activities that overwhelm you.
  3. avoiding clothing that makes your chest uncomfortable.
  4. avoiding activities and clothing that overstimulate your nipples.
  5. taking vitamin B-6 and vitamin E supplements.

How does high prolactin make you feel?

Symptoms from the high prolactin levels include discharge of milk from the breast (galactorrhoea) and breast tenderness. These symptoms are more common in women than men. High prolactin levels can also affect the function of the ovaries or testes by interfering with the hormones that control these glands.

What are the side effects of too much prolactin?

Excess prolactin can cause the production of breast milk in men and in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. In women, too much prolactin can also cause menstrual problems and infertility (the inability to get pregnant). In men, it can lead to lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Can high prolactin cause tiredness?

Rarely, the prolactinoma may press on the rest of the pituitary gland, stopping it from producing other hormones. This can cause symptoms such as tiredness, fainting, low blood pressure, low blood sugar or collapse.

How do I reduce my prolactin levels?