What is high prolactin and what causes it

Elevated prolactin levels refer to blood prolactin levels exceeding the normal range, which may be caused by physiological factors, drug effects, pituitary lesions, and other reasons. The main reasons for high prolactin levels include pregnancy and lactation, medication effects, pituitary prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, chronic renal insufficiency, etc. Long term elevation of prolactin may lead to symptoms such as menstrual disorders, galactorrhea, and infertility. It is recommended to seek medical examination in a timely manner.

1. Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy and lactation belong to physiological prolactin elevation. The increase in estrogen levels after pregnancy stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete prolactin, preparing for postpartum breastfeeding. When a baby suckles on the nipple during breastfeeding, it promotes prolactin secretion through neural reflexes. This physiological elevation does not require treatment, and prolactin levels will gradually return to normal after weaning.

2. Drug Effects

Some drugs may interfere with the inhibitory effect of dopamine on prolactin. Common drugs that affect prolactin secretion include antipsychotics such as risperidone tablets, antidepressants such as fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules, and stomach medications such as cimetidine tablets. Normally, prolactin levels can decrease on their own after discontinuation of medication, and medication plans may need to be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor if necessary.

3. Pituitary prolactinoma

Pituitary prolactinoma is the main cause of pathological hyperprolactinemia. This benign tumor can autonomously secrete excessive prolactin, causing amenorrhea and galactorrhea in women, and decreased libido and erectile dysfunction in men. Diagnosis can be confirmed through cranial magnetic resonance imaging, and treatment can include drugs such as bromocriptine mesylate or transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection.

4. Hypothyroidism

Primary hypothyroidism can lead to an increase in the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone releasing hormone, which not only stimulates the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone but also promotes the release of prolactin. In addition to elevated prolactin levels, patients usually have symptoms of hypothyroidism such as chills, fatigue, and weight gain. After supplementing with levothyroxine sodium tablets to treat hypothyroidism, prolactin levels can often return to normal.

5. Chronic renal insufficiency

The kidneys are the main metabolic organs for prolactin. When renal function declines, a decrease in prolactin clearance rate can lead to prolactin accumulation in the blood. These patients often have symptoms of renal failure such as anemia and edema, and require dialysis or kidney transplantation to improve kidney function before prolactin levels gradually decrease.

found that elevated prolactin levels should be avoided by squeezing the breasts to stimulate lactation, reducing high-fat food intake, and maintaining a regular daily routine. Female patients need to record changes in their menstrual cycle, while male patients should pay attention to observing their sexual function status. All patients should follow the doctor's advice to complete pituitary MRI, thyroid function and other examinations, and receive targeted treatment after identifying the cause. It is not recommended to take medication that lowers prolactin without professional evaluation to avoid masking the condition.