What is The Prolactin Hormone & How Does It Affect Fertility in Men and Women

Understanding Prolactin Hormone

Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is a polypeptide hormone that has numerous roles in the body, not only stimulating milk production but also affecting reproductive and immune processes. The level of prolactin in non-pregnant, non-lactating mothers is comparatively low; during pregnancy and lactation, the level of prolactin increases several-fold.

The normal range for prolactin in blood is:

• Male: less than 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL).
• Non-pregnant female/assigned female at birth: below 25 ng/mL.
• Pregnant people: 80 to 400 ng/mL

Normalcy might not be the same across various labs where the doctor works.

What Causes High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinaemia)?

The level of prolactin is high when the hormone prolactin, which produces the breast milk and ensures reproduction, is produced in excess.

Common causes include:

• Disorders of the pituitary gland.
• Thyroid issues, especially hypothyroidism.
• Some drugs influence the level of dopamine.
• Prolonged stress has the potential to activate prolactin release.

Prolactinoma

A benign pituitary tumour known as prolactinoma is one of the major causes of Hyperprolactinemia, which causes irregular periods, infertility, or breast discharge.

Lifestyle Factors:

Sleep deprivation, excessive physical activities and hormonal imbalances are also some of the factors that can enhance high levels of prolactin.

How Does Prolactin Affect Fertility?

Normal levels of prolactin are crucial for the normal functioning of reproductive hormones.

In Women :

Ovulation is disrupted by excess prolactin, which inhibits the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In the absence of normal ovulation, it becomes hard to conceive. The irregular cycles also occur as a result of a prolactin imbalance affecting oestrogen.

In Men :

High prolactin inhibits the manufacture of testosterone and decreases sperm count. It could also affect libido and cause erectile problems. Basically, prolactin imbalance disrupts the hormonal system that sustains the sexual performance and quality of sperm.

Diagnosis - How Prolactin Levels Are Tested

A simple blood test is the primary method for assessing prolactin levels. It is commonly recommended by doctors to conduct the testing early in the morning, as prolactin levels are typically higher during the night.

If levels are abnormal, further tests may include:

• Thyroid function test to rule out hypothyroidism
• MRI scan of the brain to detect pituitary tumours
• Additional hormone tests for oestrogen, testosterone, and LH/FSH balance.

Treatment for High Prolactin Levels

Following treatment approaches can help you achieve the normal/healthy prolactin levels and treat any prolactinomas that may be present.

1. Medication

The doctor may consider giving dopamine agonists to reduce prolactin levels. They will remove the adenoma and additionally help the normal hormonal production to resume.

2. Treating Underlying Causes

Hormonal replacement will be necessary if thyroid disease, stress, or any other medical condition maintains a high prolactin level.

Surgery or Other Interventions

If a Prolactinoma doesn’t respond to medication, surgery or radiotherapy may be considered to remove or shrink the tumour.

Lifestyle & Natural Ways to Maintain Normal Prolactin

• Eat a balanced diet : Include foods rich in zinc, vitamin B6, and magnesium in your diet.
• Exercise moderately : Regular activity supports a healthy balance of hormones.
• Sleep well : Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
• Manage stress : Practising meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can lower the factors that cause prolactin to rise.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking : They both are responsible for the production of prolactin, and this might also lead to a hormonal imbalance.

Low Prolactin Levels - Is It a Concern?

Having low prolactin levels is rare, but it can happen because of pituitary gland disorders, some medications, and hormonal imbalances.

Effects include:

• Reduced breast milk supply after giving birth.
• Menstrual cycles become irregular.
• Fertility issues due to poor ovulation

Prolactin & IVF Treatments

Monitoring prolactin levels is of utmost importance before IVF treatment, as high levels can cause several problems, such as:

• Disrupting the egg maturation process
• Reducing ovarian response to stimulation
• Lowering embryo implantation rates

Conclusion

Prolactin levels should be balanced, as they are a key aspect of reproductive health for both men and women. The sooner the fertility issue is diagnosed and the cure is administered, the better the chances of conceiving. If you need expert hormonal evaluation and treatment, reach out to the fertility experts at Indira IVF.