Elevated Prolactin Levels Symptoms: Causes Of High Levels Of Prolactin

Elevated Prolactin Levels Symptoms: Causes Of High Levels Of Prolactin . Elevated levels of prolactin, also referred to as hyperprolactinemia, is associated with a wide range of pathologies. Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland which is located in the base of the skull. Elevated levels of prolactin may affect both men and women; however it tends to affect women below the age of fifty years and men above the age of fifty years.

Prolactin is a hormone which plays a crucial role in lactation or stimulation of production of breast milk in females. Elevated levels of prolactin in males can result in interference with the production and functioning of testosterone.

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Though adenomas affecting the pituitary gland are common causes of elevated levels of the hormone, there are several other causes for high prolactin levels

Causes Of Elevated Levels Of Prolactin

There are two basic mechanisms for the elevation in the levels of prolactin in the blood,

• Compression of the pituitary stalk can result in reduced production of dopamine which can result in dis-inhibition of prolactin production.
• A pituitary tumor often referred to as a prolactinoma is also responsible for excess production of the hormone prolactin.

In addition, studies on rats have shown that use of Minoxidil, a potassium channel agonist is associated with the development of this condition.

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It was observed that the use of the drug resulted in formation of adenomas in males and pheochromocytomas in both male and female rats.

Further, certain prescription drugs like pain killers, anti depressants, etc. are also linked with elevated levels of prolactin.

High Prolactin Levels Symptoms In Men And Women

The manifestation of symptoms in males and females differ considerably.

In females, elevated level of prolactin is associated with anovulatory cycles which are responsible for menstrual irregularities and infertility. In some cases, the condition is linked to amenorrhea or complete absence of menstrual cycles.

In addition, females may complain of production of breast milk (even if they are not pregnant). Loss of libido, breast pain and vaginal dryness is also observed in females. Furthermore, since the raised levels of prolactin tend to result in lower levels of estrogen in females, it is often associated with osteoporosis.

Symptoms Of Elevated Prolactin Levels In Men

Prolactin interferes and inhibits the release of Gondotropin releasing hormones in males, which in turn inhibits the production of the primary male sex hormone-testosterone. This results in symptoms like infertility, erectile dysfunction and loss of libido in men.

Gynecomastia is another common problem which is associated with the condition.

In addition to these symptoms, individuals may complain of headaches and visual disturbances, which are often associated with the adenoma located in the pituitary gland.

Treatment For Elevated Prolactin Levels

Fortunately the condition of elevated levels of prolactin is treatable. There are certain home remedies and natural cures for the management of the condition,

• Certain prescription drugs are associated with the condition. Talk to your doctor, check about the side effects of the prescription drug and request for an alternative. This should help control prolactin levels.
• Herbal supplements comprising of golden seal, ginger, licorice root and cayenne have also been known to lower the levels of prolactin in both men and women.
• Chaste berry is another herb which is effective in reducing prolactin levels. It is also beneficial in reliving infertility and irregular menstrual cycle. 1000 mg of chaste berry extract, thrice a day, is considered to be beneficial for this condition.
•  Vitamin B complex and vitamin E supplements are beneficial in regulating prolactin levels. Trace minerals like sulphur, iodine and bromine are considered beneficial.

Always remember, herbal or natural therapy will take longer to show results, but the results will be sustained.