What causes high prolactin levels

Elevated prolactin levels may be related to factors such as pituitary tumors, drug effects, hypothyroidism, breast stimulation, and chronic renal insufficiency. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, and abnormal elevation of its level may cause symptoms such as menstrual disorders, galactorrhea, and infertility. The cause needs to be determined through blood tests, imaging examinations, and other means.

1. Pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumors are a common cause of high prolactin levels, especially prolactinomas. Tumor compression of pituitary tissue can lead to abnormal increase in prolactin secretion, and patients may experience symptoms such as headache and decreased vision. Diagnosis requires a combination of cranial magnetic resonance imaging and hormone level testing. Treatment usually involves the use of drugs such as bromocriptine tablets and cabergoline tablets to inhibit prolactin secretion, and surgical resection of the tumor may be necessary if necessary.

2. Drug Effects

Some drugs such as antipsychotics, gastric motility drugs, antidepressants, etc. may interfere with the inhibitory effect of dopamine on prolactin, leading to an increase in its levels. Common medications include chlorpromazine hydrochloride tablets, domperidone tablets, etc. If drug factors are suspected, the medication plan should be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor to avoid self stopping or changing medication.

3. Hypothyroidism

During hypothyroidism, the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone releasing hormone increases, which may stimulate excessive secretion of prolactin by the pituitary gland. Patients often exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, fear of cold, and weight gain. Diagnosis needs to be confirmed through thyroid function examination, and treatment mainly involves replacement therapy with levothyroxine sodium tablets. After the recovery of thyroid function, prolactin levels can often return to normal.

4. Breast stimulation

Frequent nipple stimulation or chest wall trauma may promote prolactin secretion through neural reflex pathways. breastfeeding women, those who wear tight underwear for a long time, or those who undergo chest massage may experience physiological elevation of prolactin. After reducing local stimulation, hormone levels can usually fall back on their own without special treatment.

5. Chronic renal insufficiency

The kidneys are the main organs for prolactin metabolism, and impaired kidney function can lead to a decrease in hormone clearance rate. Patients often experience symptoms such as anemia and edema. It is necessary to improve renal function examination, with the focus on controlling the primary disease. If necessary, hemodialysis can be used to improve metabolic status, and prolactin levels may decrease with the improvement of renal function.

If prolactin is found to be elevated, excessive anxiety should be avoided, but timely medical attention should be sought to investigate the cause. Pay attention to regular daily routines, reduce high-fat diet intake, and avoid wearing tight underwear. It is normal for lactating women to experience galactorrhea. If there is no continuous lactation or menstrual abnormalities during lactation, it is recommended to seek medical attention from an endocrinologist or gynecologist as soon as possible. Regularly check hormone levels according to medical advice, and do not take hormone regulating drugs on your own.