About prolactin
Prolactin is a lactotropic hormone manufactured by the anterior lobe (lactotrophs) of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain). A small amount of this hormone is secreted by other parts of the brain, mammary glands, T-lymphocytes, decidual lining of the uterus and myometrium. Regulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary system through the release of dopamine, which acts as an inhibitor (that is, suppresses) of prolactin. Patients are often interested in it, and it plays a very important role in gynecological practice.
Prolactin affects the immune and reproductive systems, participates in the regulation of water and electrolyte balance. It stimulates the production of milk in young mothers, and in teenage girls it promotes the growth of mammary glands. Therefore, it is very important that this hormone behaves politely. Elevated levels of prolactin (in women and men) are the most common cause of infertility.
There are two types of hyperprolactinemia (increase in this hormone) — functional and organic (pathological). Functionally (in healthy people), it can increase in the following cases:
- pregnancy (under the influence of increased levels of estrogen and progesterone) and lactation;
- stress ( it happens very often these days);
- during sleep (the highest level during deep sleep);
- during physical exertion;
- after intercourse;
- during nipple stimulation;
- hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level);
- when taking certain medications (neuroleptics, tranquilizers, antiemetics, narcotic substances (opiates, morphine, heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, and various hallucinogens), tricyclic antidepressants, estrogens, especially COCs with cyproterone acetate, histamine H2-receptor agonists, and calcium agonists.
Therefore, it is very important to study this hormone on the correct day of the menstrual cycle and not to use the above-mentioned drugs before specimen collection.
Author: Obstetrician-gynecologist Natalia Furdas
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