Why is prolactin high among the six hormones

Among the six hormone tests, only an increase in prolactin may be related to physiological factors or pathological factors such as pituitary microadenoma. Elevated prolactin levels are mainly caused by physiological stimuli, drug effects, pituitary lesions, hypothyroidism, chronic renal insufficiency, and other reasons, which need to be further investigated in combination with clinical manifestations.

1. Physiological stimulation

Temporary elevation of prolactin may occur after intense exercise, emotional tension, nipple stimulation, or consuming a high protein diet. This type of situation usually has no accompanying symptoms, and the indicators can return to normal during re examination. It is recommended to avoid breast compression or vigorous activity within 24 hours before the examination and maintain a relaxed state for retesting.

2. Drug Effects

Long term use of antidepressants such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, antipsychotics such as olanzapine tablets, and gastric motility drugs such as domperidone tablets may interfere with dopamine secretion, leading to an increase in prolactin levels. If it is necessary to confirm the effect of medication, hormone levels can be rechecked after suspending suspected medication under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Pituitary Lesions

Pituitary microadenoma is a common pathological cause of elevated prolactin levels, which may be related to abnormal proliferation of prolactin cells in the pituitary gland. It is usually accompanied by symptoms such as menstrual disorders, galactorrhea, and headache. Diagnosis requires pituitary MRI examination, and treatment can follow the doctor's advice to use drugs such as bromocriptine mesylate to inhibit prolactin secretion.

4. Hypothyroidism

Primary hypothyroidism increases the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone releasing hormone, which stimulates the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland. These patients often have symptoms such as fatigue, fear of cold, and weight gain, which need to be confirmed through thyroid function tests. After supplementing with levothyroxine sodium tablets to correct hypothyroidism, prolactin levels can gradually recover.

5. Chronic renal insufficiency

When renal failure occurs, prolactin metabolism is inhibited, which may lead to prolactin accumulation in the blood. Patients usually exhibit abnormal renal function such as elevated blood creatinine and decreased urine output. Renal ultrasound and renal function examination are required for evaluation, and dialysis treatment may be necessary to improve metabolic status.

When a simple increase in prolactin is found, it is recommended to have a fasting check-up 2-4 weeks later in the morning to avoid staying up late or experiencing emotional fluctuations before the check-up. Reduce high-fat diet intake in daily life and maintain a regular schedule. If the re examination is still abnormal or accompanied by symptoms such as headache and decreased vision, it is necessary to promptly seek medical attention from the endocrinology department to complete pituitary MRI and other examinations. Elevated prolactin levels in lactating women are a normal physiological phenomenon and do not require excessive intervention.