You may need this test if you have symptoms of a prolactinoma. Symptoms may include: Production of breast milk if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding Nipple discharge Headaches Changes in vision Other symptoms are different depending on whether you are a man or woman. Symptoms of excess prolactin in women who have not gone through menopause include: Irregular periods Periods that have stopped completely before the age of This is known as premature menopause.
Infertility Breast tenderness Women who have gone through menopause may not have symptoms until the condition worsens. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: Fatigue Weight gain Muscle pain Constipation Trouble tolerating cold temperatures Symptoms of excess prolactin in men include: Nipple discharge Breast enlargement Low sex drive Erectile dysfunction Decrease in body hair.
What happens during a prolactin levels test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If your results show higher than normal prolactin levels, it may mean you have one of the following conditions: Prolactinoma a type of tumor of the pituitary gland Hypothyroidism A disease of the hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus is an area of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and other body functions. Liver disease If your results show high prolactin levels, your health care provider may order an MRI magnetic resonance imaging test to get a closer look at your pituitary gland. References Empower [Internet]. Association between endometriosis and hyperprolactinemia in infertile women.
Iran J Reprod Med [Internet]. Washington D. Hypothalamus; [updated Jul 10; cited Jul 14]; [about 3 screens]. They can also shrink prolactinoma tumors. Your doctor may recommend that you take cabergoline.
Cabergoline is a newer prolactinoma treatment with milder side effects than other common prolactinoma medications. Talk to your doctor about cabergoline if you face severe side effects from other treatments, including bromocriptine. Surgery can be performed through the nose or the upper skull. Surgery and medication together can bring your prolactin levels back to normal. Vitamin B-6 is part of the dopamine production process, and higher levels can reduce prolactin levels.
Vitamin E naturally prevents rises in prolactin levels. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist before changing your intake of vitamins or other supplements. Read more about the B vitamins ».
Your doctor will likely refer you to an endocrinologist if you have a condition related to high prolactin levels. An endocrinologist can help guide you through treatment or surgeries. Your doctor may request an MRI scan to check if a prolactinoma tumor is causing your prolactin levels to rise. Your doctor will prescribe medication to shrink any existing tumor. This is known as idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. It usually goes away without treatment after several months. If your prolactin levels do not go down, your doctor will likely prescribe medication.
If this happens, tell your doctor or endocrinologist right away. They may tell you to stop taking your medication. Prolactinoma and hyperprolactinemia are not life-threatening.
The worst side effects of medications usually go away after treatment. Infertility caused by high prolactin levels can be reversed once prolactin levels return to normal. Your quality of life will remain high even if you need long-term treatment. If you've hit a slump in the bedroom, it may be time to take a closer look at your diet.
These foods are packed with nutrients that can perk up your…. High prolactin levels interfere with the normal production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. This can change or stop ovulation the release of an egg from the ovary. It can also lead to irregular or missed periods. Some women have high prolactin levels without any symptoms. In men, high prolactin levels can cause galactorrhea, impotence inability to have an erection during sex , reduced desire for sex, and infertility.
A man with untreated hyperprolactinemia may make less sperm or no sperm at all. Blood tests can measure levels of prolactin. Levels are sometimes higher if you have eaten recently or are under stress.
Your doctor may also perform a physical exam to find any obvious causes or any breast discharge. If levels are still high after the second check, your doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan of the brain to check for a tumor of the pituitary gland. The treatment depends on the cause. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Prolactin is a hormone. It is one of many hormones secreted by the pituitary gland , a small structure in the brain. Prolactin has two primary functions:.
High prolactin is also called hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin levels are normally high in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. In other people, high prolactin can cause problems. Prolactin is present in both males and females. High prolactin is more common in females. This article will discuss some of the symptoms and causes of high prolactin. It will also discuss how this condition is diagnosed and treated.
High prolactin levels can have various causes, including:. Certain medications can also cause high prolactin levels. These include:. The condition is common. In a random adult sample, around 0. Some people with high prolactin do not have symptoms. When symptoms happen, they may include:. Prolactin can be measured with a blood test. Some outside factors can affect the results. Prolactin is thought to have a role in sexual satisfaction.
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