Blood for prolactin how to prepare. How to donate blood for prolactin and what the results say. What are tests for?

Prolactin is one of the most important hormones in the body. What is its main function? When is it worth taking an analysis for prolactin, and why is the increased content of the hormone in the blood dangerous? Remember.

What is a prolactin test

Prolactin is a special hormone in the female body that is responsible for the birth of children, their feeding, for the general condition of a pregnant or mother who has already given birth.

A blood test for prolactin allows you to determine its content in the body. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and most often an elevated level of prolactin indicates that we have some kind of disease. But there are other cases that you need to know about so as not to mislead yourself and the doctor. Allocate physiological and pathological increase in prolactin.

To the reasons physiological elevated prolactin levels include:

• excessive stress, prolonged and intense;
• (also immediately before the test for prolactin);
• abundance of proteins in the diet;
• non-compliance with the norms during the analysis (in this case, it is submitted again);
• breast-feeding;
• pregnancy;
• taking medications (some medications can increase prolactin).

reasons pathological there are many increases in prolactin, the most common:

• Prolactinoma. It is a benign tumor that produces prolactin. The absence of menstruation, infertility, the secretion of milk from the mammary glands in the absence of pregnancy are attributed to the symptoms of the disease.

When taking an analysis for prolactin, please note that the norms in each laboratory are individual: they depend on the methodological features of determining the level of this hormone in the blood and must be indicated in the results of the analysis.

How and when is it better to take a prolactin test?

How to donate blood for prolactin? An important question, since this analysis is very difficult. It should be taken in the morning and on an empty stomach. Previously, one day before the test, exclude sexual activity, drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking, do not play sports and other physical activities, and do not take a hot bath and do not go to the sauna.

An analysis for prolactin should be done in the first 3-5 days from the onset of menstruation or on days 23-26 with a 29-day menstrual cycle. This is important information that answers the question - what you need to know about how to properly donate prolactin.

You will be interested in consultations on the following topics:

And another recommendation about prolactin - when is it better to take it. A good mood and spacious clothes are welcome. These are the features before passing the analysis, which, by the way, is best done three hours after you wake up.

You need to take an analysis for prolactin in the morning on an empty stomach after at least half an hour of complete physical and emotional rest. Hormone levels naturally increase in the afternoon and during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Analysis for prolactin is done according to certain indications:

• infertility of unknown origin (conception does not occur for more than 1 year);
• in case of suspicion of the presence of a tumor disease;
• cyclic pain in the mammary gland;
• secretion of milk from the mammary glands outside the feeding period;
• osteoporosis;
• lack of ovulation.

prolactin and progesterone

Prolactin and progesterone are similar. Progesterone affects important processes in the female body: pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Under the influence of progesterone, the formation of the mammary glands and the production of breast milk occur. In the event that a hormonal imbalance occurs in the female body, in which the level of prolactin increases and progesterone decreases, ovulation may not occur. This is the main cause of infertility.

Prolactin and the menstrual cycle

Prolactin and menstruation can coexist at the end of the lactation period. The fact is that while feeding the baby, the nipple is stimulated, which can activate the production of prolactin. Regular breastfeeding is believed to suppress ovulation. But for some girls, even with this regimen, menstruation may occur, which is not a pathology.

Expert opinion

Olga Panfilova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, Doctor of the Women's Health Center of the European Medical Center (GEMC):
To diagnose diseases associated with a change in the level of prolactin, you need to contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist, or an endocrinologist. Only a doctor, after analyzing the patient's history, can determine whether physiological processes (stress, etc.) are the cause of the violation of the prolactin content in the blood, or whether they are based on a more serious pathology that requires additional examinations (for example, MRI of the brain) and specific treatment. Regarding the use of folk remedies to correct the level of prolactin - the use of even such seemingly harmless remedies as herbal preparations, etc. should be discussed with the attending physician.

prolactin and hair loss

But prolactin has nothing to do with hair loss, as is commonly believed. associated with hypovitaminosis, which the mother inevitably experiences during pregnancy and lactation. That is why it is so important to think not about how prolactin and folk remedies affect the hormonal background, but to try to make up for the lack of vitamins in the body.

How to reduce prolactin in women with folk remedies

To reduce the level of prolactin in the blood, medication is prescribed, and in some cases even surgery is required. But folk remedies aimed at reducing stress can also help:

• Herbal teas. Chamomile and mint are ideal. It is recommended to drink drinks at least 3 times a day for 2-3 weeks. Then you need to take a break of 10 days.
• Calming fees to reduce emotional stress. It is desirable that their folk remedies include valerian, St. John's wort, motherwort, lemon balm or hawthorn.
• If an increased level of prolactin is observed in a pregnant girl or a nursing mother, it is recommended to balance the diet by including more dairy products, cheeses, nuts, fish, vegetables and fruits.

In mothers, when analyzed for prolactin, the level of the hormone is higher than in the rest. At the same time, it is lower for working girls than for housewives.

What foods contain prolactin

Since a low level of prolactin is required for the normal functioning of the reproductive system, it makes no sense to look for products containing this hormone. An active lifestyle, good sleep and low stress levels help to reduce prolactin. Prolactin and weight are closely related - with an excess of the hormone, the risk of getting better very quickly increases.

Too low prolactin levels are also not good. For example, girls with low hormone levels in their blood are less likely to experience orgasms.

Many women are interested in when to take prolactin? In the anterior pituitary gland in women and men, an important hormone, prolactin, is produced. It strongly affects the female reproductive system, the central nervous system and the process of breastfeeding. Prolactin contributes to:

• development of the mammary glands in girls during puberty;
• stimulating the process of milk formation in the breast of a woman during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• regulation of water-salt balance;
• normalization of the menstrual cycle in girls during puberty.

Essence of the question

This hormone is also released in the male body. It is believed that it affects testosterone levels and the production of new sperm.

There is a certain norm of the level of prolactin in the body. An increase in its content may indicate a pituitary adenoma, diseases of the brain, liver. A decrease in the hormone can occur due to severe blood loss, exhaustion of the body.

An analysis for the level of hormones in the blood is usually prescribed by an endocrinologist, a gynecologist. Perhaps an appointment will be written by an andrologist or a therapist.

What are the reasons for examination in women? The doctor may prescribe a study for:

• enlargement of the mammary glands;
• the release of colostrum (during the period when the woman is not in position);
• menstrual disorders
• lack of ovulation (which may be caused by hormonal imbalance, the difference between the level of prolactin and progesterone);
• infertility (which is usually associated precisely with the lack of ovulation as such, that is, hormonal imbalance in the body).

What are the reasons for testing in men? The doctor will prescribe an analysis for a man if:

• there is a decrease in sexual desire;
• there is impotence;
• pronounced infertility.

General indicators for the appointment of an analysis for this hormone will be symptoms such as:

• weight gain;
• multiple caries;
• persistent headaches;
• blurred vision;
• severe acne;
• constant stress.

Doctors identify physiological and pathological causes of increased prolactin levels.

Physiological reasons include:

• stress;
• excessive mental and emotional stress;
• alcohol consumption;
• abuse of nicotine;
• malnutrition (reception of exclusively protein foods);
• pregnancy and lactation;
• taking certain medicines that increase prolactin levels.

The pathological causes of elevated prolactin levels include the presence of prolactinoma, a benign tumor that produces the hormone in large quantities.

Blood for prolactin is also prescribed in order to exclude the presence of a pituitary adenoma or the activity of this neoplasm, if it has already been detected.

The doctor receives reliable results only if the person taking the prolactin test is completely healthy. Any deviations from the norm, even SARS, can lead to unreliable analysis results.

The level of prolactin also rises with strong emotional upheavals. It is necessary to bring the patient's psychological health back to normal before prescribing him an analysis for this hormone.

In pregnant women and during the lactation period, the level of prolactin is increased. And although there are certain standards, doctors do not recommend conducting this analysis during this period. Prolactin levels increase during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

In order for the results of the analysis to be as reliable as possible, it is necessary to competently prepare for it, observe a certain regime, and exclude provoking factors.

• exclude physical activity for up to 24 hours before the test;
• eliminate psychological stress;
• exclude sexual contact on the eve of the study;
• refuse thermal procedures, baths, saunas and even hot baths;
• follow a certain diet, excluding protein foods and sweets from the diet;
• it is mandatory to abandon the use of any alcohol and energy drinks that stimulate the body to increase the release of prolactin;
• last meal - 8 hours before the analysis;
• get enough sleep (lack of sleep can lead to an increase in prolactin levels).

If a prolactin test is scheduled, how to take the test? On the day of the analysis, first of all, you need to calm down and not worry. Strong emotions can lead to an increase in the level of the hormone in the blood. There are rules that must be observed on the day the material is taken for analysis:

1. Wake up early. The person must be awake for at least 3 hours before taking the test.
2. Refuse to eat and even tea or coffee.
3. Give up nicotine.
4. It is better to take an analysis from 8 to 10 in the morning (in the afternoon, the level of prolactin in the blood usually increases very much, and the analysis cannot be considered accurate).
5. Wear loose underwear that will not rub or irritate the genitals (any irritation can lead to the release of prolactin).

8g1xm82KoOk

What day should the test be done?

What day to take prolactin? It is important to remember that a woman's menstrual period is not an obstacle to taking the test. Although some experts note that this analysis is best taken on the 3-5th day after the start of menstruation or on the 23rd-26th day of the total cycle (if it is 29 days). A woman who has finished breastfeeding may be tested one week after her last breastfeeding.

Before the analysis itself, you need to calm down, catch your breath, bring the body back to normal. Sit near the doctor's office for 10-15 minutes, tune in. Blood is taken from a vein. It doesn't hurt, but some patients are afraid of this type of injection and testing. The best recommendation is not to look at the syringe and the doctor performing the manipulation, close your eyes or turn away.

In some cases, you have to take the analysis again, especially when there are minor deviations from the norm. A re-analysis is usually scheduled 10-14 days after the first study.

How to lower the level of prolactin in the blood?

In some cases, you can reduce the level of the hormone in the blood with folk remedies, and not medication. But this is rather an exception to the rule.

Thus, you can deal with stress, which leads to an increase in the level of the hormone in the blood:

1. Eat herbal teas, best infusions of chamomile and mint.
2. Take sedatives (motherwort, hawthorn, valerian).
3. Follow a diet that includes cheeses, nuts, fish, dairy products, vegetables and fruits. This is especially helpful for pregnant girls who need to lower their prolactin levels in the blood).

Remember that a high level of the hormone is an indication for drug treatment, but a low level of the hormone in the blood does not lead to anything good. For example, women with low levels of this substance are less likely to experience orgasms.

3AUWZqXh9cI

Another thing to watch out for is the link between hormone levels and hair loss. Some expectant mothers believe that hair loss is due to high prolactin levels, but this is actually not the case. Just the female body during this period is experiencing an acute shortage of vitamins. It is about their replenishment that one must think.

For an accurate diagnosis with an increased or decreased level of this substance, it is imperative to consult a specialist. Only a doctor can determine the physiological or pathological nature of this phenomenon. If a pathology is detected, the doctor will definitely prescribe additional studies, such as an MRI of the brain. If you consider it necessary to normalize the level of this hormone in the blood with folk remedies, be sure to consult a specialist. Pregnant women and those who have recently given birth need to be very attentive to themselves, remember that even with an increased level of prolactin, menstruation can begin and ovulation can occur, which can lead to a second pregnancy.

The main function of prolactin is to ensure breastfeeding.

In addition, the lactotropic hormone synthesized by the pituitary gland affects the reproductive function, metabolic processes and immune function.

Violation of its concentration in the blood leads to infertility, lack of breast milk, obesity, depression and other unpleasant consequences. We will figure out how to take an analysis for prolactin and what this study shows.

Indications

The main indications for taking a study on prolactin:

• for women - violation of the menstrual cycle (frequent delays), suspicion of endocrine infertility, prolonged pregnancy, severe lack of breast milk, hirsutism;
• for men - a decrease in the number and activity of spermatozoa, sexual infantilism, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), hypogonadism (decreased testicular function), impotence;
• common - galactorrhea (discharge of a milky liquid from the nipples), osteoporosis, decreased libido, removal of the pituitary gland and the appointment of hormone replacement therapy, suspected prolactinoma (a benign pituitary tumor from acidophilic cells).

Training

How to take a prolactin test for women and men? Prolactin shows hypersensitivity to various external factors. In order for the analysis to be reliable, you should prepare for it.

24 hours before the study, you need to exclude:

• sexual contacts;
• overheating - taking a hot bath, visiting the sauna or the beach;
• hypothermia;
• stress factors;
• alcohol consumption.

A prolactin test measures the level of the hormone prolactin in the blood, which is produced by a person's pituitary gland. Pregnant women have high levels of prolactin, which helps produce breast milk. During pregnancy, a blood test for prolactin shows an increase in the level of the hormone by 10 to 20 times. After the birth of a child, prolactin levels remain high if breastfeeding is practiced. In women who are not breastfeeding, prolactin levels return to normal soon after delivery. After several months of breastfeeding, the prolactin test already shows normal levels of the hormone again, even if breastfeeding is still ongoing.

The pituitary gland of men and non-pregnant women also produces prolactin, but it is not entirely clear what exactly it is responsible for.

• Prolactin levels vary throughout the day. The highest rates are observed during sleep and shortly after waking up.
• Prolactin levels also become higher during times of physical or emotional stress.

Many medications can push prolactin levels up. Pituitary tumors can sometimes cause this. A damaged pituitary gland is unable to produce the normal amount of prolactin, so its levels will be lower.

Why do a prolactin test

The test for prolactin is carried out:

• To find the cause of abnormal lactation if the woman has amenorrhea, or if the woman has fertility problems.
• If you suspect a problem with the pituitary gland. In addition, a prolactin test can be done to check hormone levels if a person lacks sexual desire or if they have erection problems (erectile dysfunction). An analysis for the hormone prolactin is done when a man has too low testosterone levels.
• If you suspect a tumor in the pituitary gland (called a prolactinoma), which produces a large amount of prolactin.

How to Prepare for a Prolactin Test

Do not eat or drink for a certain number of hours, as instructed by your doctor, before having a prolactin blood test.

Testing for prolactin is usually done about 3 hours after waking up, between about 8 and 10 am.

Emotional stress or strenuous exercise before a procedure can raise prolactin levels. You may be asked to rest for 30 minutes before drawing blood.

Nipple stimulation can increase prolactin levels. Avoid nipple stimulation for 24 hours before your prolactin test. Women who have abnormal nipple discharge should try to avoid all conditions that contribute to this discharge.

How to take an analysis for prolactin: manipulations

The nurse will do the following:

• Pull the tourniquet tight to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins larger, which makes it easier to insert a needle into the vein.
• Sterilize the needle insertion area with alcohol.
• Insert a needle into a vein. The pain from the injection will, of course, have to endure.
• Fill a special container or syringe with blood.
• Remove the needle from your arm when there is enough blood.
• Press with a gauze or cotton swab at the injection site of the needle at the time of its removal.
• Can apply a bandage.

How do you feel during a prolactin test?

A blood test is taken from a vein in the arm. A rubber band wraps around the arm. She will feel tense. During the insertion of the needle, there may be no pain at all, or you may feel a slight pain as if from a bite.

Risks of a blood test for prolactin

There is little chance that drawing blood from a blood vein will cause any health problems.

• You may get a small bruise where the needle was inserted. You can reduce the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the affected area for a few minutes.
• In rare cases, a vein may swell after a prolactin test. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress several times a day relieves a person of phlebitis.
• Continued bleeding can be a problem for people with bleeding disorders. Aspirin, warfarini, and other blood-thinning drugs can make bleeding more likely. If you have bleeding or coagulation problems, or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, tell your doctor before you go for a blood test.

Prolactin test results

Prolactin levels in the blood vary throughout the day. The highest rates are observed during sleep and shortly after waking up.

normal prolactin levels

The normal prolactin values ​​listed here are called the reference interval and these ranges vary. In addition, your doctor will evaluate your prolactin test results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that is outside the normal values ​​listed here may still be normal for you.

High prolactin levels

High levels of prolactin (usually higher than 200 ng/mL) may indicate the presence of a pituitary tumor (prolactinoma). If the prolactin level is more than 200 ng/mL, the doctor will usually order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm or disprove a pituitary tumor. A normal or low prolactin level does not always mean that a pituitary tumor is not present. An MRI test is desirable if it is suspected.

A high prolactin level may mean that the pituitary gland is producing excess prolactin for unknown reasons (idiopathic hyperprolactinemia).

Other conditions that can lead to high prolactin levels are pregnancy, liver disease (cirrhosis), kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.
Many conditions can affect prolactin levels. Your doctor will discuss with you any abnormal findings regarding your symptoms and health conditions.

Prolactin Testing: Warnings

Reasons why you should not get tested for prolactin or why the results may not be useful include:

• The presence of emotional stress or physical exertion before the start of the test.
• Sleep problems. Prolactin levels are highest during sleep. So if you're having trouble sleeping, your levels may be lower than usual.
• Nipple stimulation.
• Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills, high blood pressure medications, tricyclic antidepressants, or medications to manage mental illness, such as phenothiazines.
• Radiotracer testing one week prior to prolactin testing.

What to think about

• Men and non-pregnant women usually have low levels of prolactin. You don't just want to force yourself to be referred for a prolactin blood test.
• It makes sense for men to get tested for prolactin if a person lacks sexual desire or if he has problems with erection (erectile dysfunction). The amount of prolactin can be assessed when testosterone levels in men are really low. To learn more, see the topic about.
• Treatment for a pituitary gland that produces too much prolactin includes drugs (such as bromocriptine), removal of the pituitary gland, or radiation therapy to the gland. The choice of treatment depends on the size of the pituitary tumor, general health, and the age of the person being treated.

Denial of responsibility: The information provided in this article on prolactin testing is intended to inform the reader only. It cannot be a substitute for the advice of a health professional.

Prolactin is one type of hormone. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland (brain).

If the hormone prolactin is produced in the body in excessive amounts, then this phenomenon is called hyperprolactinemia and is often dangerous to human health.

The hormone prolactin is responsible for the function of reproduction, as a result of which it:

• Promotes the formation and development of secondary sexual characteristics.
• It is a regulator of sexual behavior.
• In women during lactation, it prevents ovulation (leads to temporary infertility).
• Responsible for the functioning of the maternal instinct.
• Helps the immune system fight harmful microorganisms.
• Stimulates the balance of substances (calcium, sodium and water) in the body.
• Helps to cope with stress.
• Affects weight gain.

Doctors note that the action of the hormone prolactin is currently not fully understood: it is quite possible that it performs some other functions that are still unknown to medicine.

This hormone promotes lactation by helping colostrum to mature and turn into mature milk.

Thanks to the hormone prolactin, growth, full development and production of female mammary glands are stimulated.

Prolactin is an important element in the process of implantation of a fertilized egg. Also, this hormone promotes a rapid metabolism, helps to accelerate the synthesis of proteins.

The level of the hormone prolactin can only be determined through a set of medical studies:

• MRI of the brain in the area of ​​the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. If the results of MRI are not enough, then contrast is additionally performed.
• X-ray of the bones of the skeleton to determine possible irritation in the bone tissue.
• Analysis of the general condition of the thyroid gland.
• Ultrasound, aimed at examining the condition of certain organs (kidneys, liver, ovaries and mammary glands), in order to identify possible pathologies.
• If a person has excess weight, then the level of cholesterol and sugar in the blood is additionally determined.
• In case of detection of pathologies on MRI, an additional examination is carried out by an ophthalmologist.

The normal level of the hormone prolactin varies from 120 to 600 mU / l, depending on the age, sex and health of the person. With an increase in the permissible values ​​​​of the hormone prolactin, a person is prescribed treatment.

To determine the concentration of the hormone prolactin, it is necessary to take tests from the 5th to the 8th day of the menstrual cycle.

On the eve of the test, you should try to eliminate any stress and remain calm, since the emotional background significantly affects the results of the research. The day before the study, sexual intercourse and exposure to heat (saunas, prolonged exposure to the sun, etc.) are excluded.

To determine the level of the hormone prolactin, blood is taken from a vein, always on an empty stomach. During the day, the level of prolactin in the body changes, so it is better to choose the optimal time: the most reliable will be the tests obtained at 8-10 in the morning.

When should I take a prolactin test?

You should go to take tests for the hormone prolactin when characteristic symptoms are bothering you. For the female body, such symptoms can be an increase in the mammary glands, a sudden release of milk in non-pregnant women, irregularities in the menstrual cycle, and the absence of ovulation (infertility). In men, the main symptoms may be a decrease in overall sexual desire, impotence and infertility, sudden headaches and growth of the mammary glands.

Its useful to note

Both men and women may be disturbed by frequent headaches, a sharp deterioration in vision, a constant state of depression and stress, and weight gain. If a person has a pituitary adenoma, then it is necessary to take tests for the hormone prolactin.

Test results can be unreliable as a result of the influence of many factors: prolactin could increase due to stress, illness (even a cold), bad mood, etc. During the period of pregnancy, as well as feeding the newborn with breast milk, the hormone prolactin is always produced in an increased amount: this means that it makes no sense to take tests during such a period, high prolactin for pregnant women is the norm.

High prolactin: symptoms and consequences

Symptoms of elevated prolactin levels in women include:

• Sudden discharge of milk from the mammary glands, although the woman is not pregnant.
• Hair loss in the genital area.
• Violations in the monthly cycle (irregularity, poor discharge).
• Severe decrease in sex drive.
• Fatigue, sleep problems, sudden mood swings.
• Inability to get pregnant: Problems with ovulation prevent you from conceiving a child.
• Problems with the functioning of the thyroid gland, the consequences of which are an increase in the level of prolactin.
• Osteoporosis (also common with low estrogen).

Pregnant and lactating women always observe a high content of prolactin: they are characterized by an increased content of prolactin in the blood, which is the norm in this condition.

If you suspect that your symptoms indicate a high level of prolactin, be sure to contact a specialist. In this case, you will need to consult a gynecologist and an endocrinologist.

The main problem as a result of an increase in prolactin in a woman's body is the inability to conceive. A significant increase in prolactin levels inhibits the synthesis of certain hormones that contribute to the normal development of ovulation. For this reason, anovulation occurs, when any attempts to conceive a child are in vain.

The consequences of increased prolactin in men

The manifestation of an increased level of prolactin in men is characterized by a weakening of potency and a lack of sexual desire in general, since there is a decrease in the amount of sex hormones and sperm produced by the body of a man.

There is a decrease in the production of the male hormone (testosterone) and at the same time a significant increase in the production of the female hormone (estrogen).

A high level of prolactin in men may indicate the presence of certain diseases. Prolactin will increase in the presence of a pituitary tumor, liver cirrhosis, constant stress, chest injuries, etc.

Prolactin can also jump for physiological reasons: the impact of physical exertion, lack of sleep, excessive intake of protein foods, etc. In this case, prolactin rises for a while and does not affect the hormonal balance in the body.

With high prolactin in men, the following consequences are possible:

• sleep disturbances, prolonged depression;
• excess weight;
• breast growth;
• decrease in vitality in general;
• possible infertility and impotence.

Prolactin and testosterone in the male body are in the following relationship: the more prolactin in the body, the less testosterone is produced. Therefore, the lower the testosterone level in a man, the more different problems prolactin can cause.

Causes of high prolactin and how to deal with it

The normal level of prolactin is different for men and women: for example, for non-pregnant women, a prolactin indicator of 4-23 ng / ml will be considered normal, for pregnant women - 34-386 ng / ml, for men - 3-15 ng / ml. In girls and women after menopause, the prolactin value should not exceed 19-20 ng / ml.

Depending on the research methods used in laboratories, the results of laboratory analyzes may vary: in each case, they are based on the norm of the prolactin hormone for a particular laboratory.

Elevated levels of prolactin do not necessarily indicate the presence of any diseases, the hormone can be elevated in perfectly healthy people.

Reasons for an increase in prolactin levels:

• The presence of pregnancy, already at the 8th week of pregnancy, the level of prolactin increases significantly.
• lactation period.
• Strong stress.
• Non-compliance with the rules of blood donation (due to existing standards in laboratories).

However, elevated prolactin may be an indicator for the detection of certain diseases:

• Prolactinomas, when a tumor develops in the pituitary gland, as a result of which an excess of the hormone is produced.
• Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland produces too few hormones.
• Anorexia.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome, when the menstrual cycle goes astray, increased hair growth on the body, infertility can occur.
• Kidney disease, tumors of the hypothalamus, etc.

How to Lower Prolactin Levels

Treatment for elevated prolactin levels depends on how high prolactin is above normal.

If the increase in this hormone is insignificant (up to approximately 50 ng / ml), then prolactin will decrease on its own, you just need to adjust your lifestyle and stop taking drugs that provoke its increase.

If a woman is pregnant or nursing a child, then prolactin treatment is not required.

In other cases, the level of prolactin is reduced to normal by the following methods:

Medically

Reducing prolactin is possible in two groups of drugs:

• Ergoline(drugs of ergot alkaloids): treatment is with bromkriptin, lactodele, parlodel, serocriptine, apo-bromkriptin, bromergon, abegrin, dostinex, as well as cabergoline preparations (dostinex);
• Non-ergoline: treatment is possible with preparations of quinagolide (norprolac). Means for lowering the level of the hormone prolactin are produced by large companies that have proven themselves in the pharmaceutical market: Pfizer, Novartis Farma, Apotex, Gedeon Richter, Serono, Lek, etc.

All these drugs are available in tablets or capsules. Only a specialist can prescribe the drug necessary for your body.

Herbs and folk remedies

Prolactin rises sharply in the presence of stress in a person's life. In this regard, it is necessary to take means that eliminate stress. Such remedies in folk medicine include herbs St. John's wort, hawthorn, elderberry, hops and lemon balm. Decoctions are made from these herbs and drunk in the evening, a couple of hours before bedtime.

Other

To maintain a normal level of prolactin, it is necessary to strictly observe the balance of work and rest. It is necessary to try to minimize strong physical exertion, observe sleep patterns, and take sports walks. Coffee and alcohol are excluded from the diet. If the cause of elevated prolactin lies in the presence of certain diseases in a person, then the disease itself is treated.

Prolactin can decrease on its own without treatment in the following cases:

• The end of pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.
• Reducing stress levels to a minimum in men and non-pregnant women.
• At the end of the puberty of adolescents, when the girls have sufficiently developed mammary glands.
• Restoring sleep patterns.
• As a result of the treatment of diseases that provoke an increase in prolactin: for example, the treatment of mastopathy (pathological proliferation of connective tissues).

Prevention

There is no special prevention for prolactin: you need to eat right, do not self-medicate, try not to sunbathe a lot. If there are problems with sleep, it is better to replace sleeping pills with valerian.

If a woman notices meager discharge from the nipples within two to three years after childbirth or an abortion, then do not worry: this is a normal state of the body during such a period, treatment of elevated prolactin is not required. The main thing is not to squeeze the contents out of the nipple on your own, otherwise prolactin will continue to be produced at an elevated level.

2016-12-14 10:36:08

2017-03-16 09:15:50

Hello, I have a pituitary microalenoma and passed an analysis for prolactin which is 1631mIU / l and hair falls out strongly in some places of the bald spot, how should I treat it?

2017-05-11 15:27:07

Good afternoon. Tell me, my husband and I are trying but we can’t get pregnant. I don't have a regular cycle. Turning to the doctor, duphaston was prescribed after drinking for several months in order to restore the cycle, he did not give any special results. canceled in February. tests for prolactin, LH, FSH, Estradiol, DHEA-SO4 were prescribed from day 2 to day 9 of the cycle. and progesterone from days 19 to 24 of the cycle. Of the prescribed tests, prolactin was increased by 5 times (2549), FSH-5.2 was lowered, progesterone-0.50. after the next trip to the doctor, the drug AGALATES was prescribed 1t-2 times a week. after 3 tabs, prolactin dropped to 120.30. An MRI of the pituitary gland was prescribed, everything is normal. There is no normal discharge in the breast. Uzi is normal. repeated prolactin after a week increased to 210 and after a couple of weeks it increased to 494. you say that the prescribed drugs to reduce prolactin should be taken before pregnancy. And the gynecologist advises in no case to become pregnant while taking the drug. or it concerns certain drugs.

Hello Xenia! It is necessary to examine the level of prolactin, estradiol, FSH, TSH, total testosterone, SHBG and consult an endocrinologist. The situation is unlikely to resolve on its own.

Prolactin in women affects the entire body - the endocrine, immune, nervous, reproductive systems, regulates the water-salt balance. Therefore, it is found in most biological fluids. The substance contains: blood, lacrimal, amniotic, cerebrospinal, follicular fluids, breast milk, sweat.

• establishing the causes of infertility;
• diagnosing the causes of discharge from the mammary glands in non-pregnant and non-lactating women;
• pain in the mammary glands;
• headaches and decreased visual acuity;
• dysfunction of lactation in the postpartum period;
• diagnosis of chronic inflammation of the reproductive system;
• lack of ovulation;
• delayed sexual development at puberty;
• failure of the menstrual cycle;
• osteoporosis or other disorders of bone metabolism;
• severe menopause;
• nervous and physical exhaustion;
• decreased libido;
• differential examination of pituitary and hypothalamus diseases;
• complex diagnostics of hormonal levels.

The activity of the hormone affects the change of sleep and wakefulness, eating behavior. The amount of prolactin in the amniotic fluid shows how the fetus develops, its immune system is formed, and the embryo is nourished. And its indicator in the skin indicates the function of the sweat glands and activates hair growth. Therefore, it is important to conduct a study on prolactin to identify the causes of various pathologies.

How to prepare for delivery

In order to get an objective result of the analysis for prolactin, it is necessary to properly prepare for its delivery. Hormone activity can be influenced by internal and external factors. Prolactin-sensitive receptors are located in many organs, namely:

• mammary gland (in normal and tumor tissues);
• ovaries (in the corpus luteum, granulosa cells);
• uterus
• placenta
• liver;
• eyes (in the retina, photosensitive membrane);
• lymphatic and immune cells;
• adrenal glands;
• kidneys;
• intestines;
• pancreas.

Any effect on these organs leads to a change in the prolactin background. Therefore, before donating blood for analysis, it is necessary to exclude exposure to high temperatures (at least 1 day before the visit to the laboratory), rich food rich in fats and carbohydrates, alcohol intake and smoking, physical activity (going to the gym, lifting weights), stress and psycho-emotional stress, refrain from sexual activity.

The level of the hormone changes during the day and has a pulsating amplitude. Prolactin release peaks every 95 minutes. It rises 1-1.5 hours after falling asleep, immediately after waking up, its activity drops sharply, and then gradually increases until noon. Therefore, it is recommended to take the test 3-4 hours after waking up in the morning. It is necessary to exclude irritation and trauma to the mammary glands. Stimulation of the nipple activates the synthesis of the hormone.

Like most studies of venous blood, the material is taken on an empty stomach. You need to go to the examination in a calm state. Recommendations for preparing for the analysis can be obtained from the prescribing physician or laboratory.

Many patients are prescribed a prolactin test - preparation for delivery is important for a woman. Non-pregnant women start testing on the 4th day of the cycle. In order to properly prepare for the study, you must follow the following rules: refuse sexual intimacy, do not visit the sauna, bath. It is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages before the procedure.

To determine prolactin in women, hemolymph should be taken on an empty stomach, early in the morning, 3 hours after sleep. You should prepare in advance for the study of blood composition for lactotropic hormone.

Before donating blood, it is necessary to refrain from excessive physical exercise for patients attending the gym.

You should prepare in advance for the study of blood composition for lactotropic hormone. Eating is allowed 12 hours before the start of the study, on the eve of the procedure, you can drink water at room temperature.

Before undergoing a prolactin test, men need to give up excessive exercise and smoking.

The rules for research on lactotropic hormone must be strictly observed. During the preparation for the procedure, it is necessary to stop taking hormonal drugs.

On the eve of the test, meat, milk, peas, beans, beans, eggs, and fish should be excluded from the diet.

Testing for prolactin will give a reliable result if the patient has a good rest before the procedure, goes to bed at 8 pm.

It is possible to take an analysis for lactotropic hormone correctly only after good preparation. It should also be borne in mind that if the patient is sick with an infectious disease, the result will be inaccurate.

A blood test indicates normal levels or an increase in the content of lactotropic hormone. The level of prolactin in women increases in the case of the development of a pituitary tumor. Its value for microadenoma is 1000 ng/ml. A blood test for prolactin indicates an increase in it in the case of the development of amenorrhea, galactorrhea, Chiari-Frommel syndrome.

After blood donation, an increase in the content of lactotropic hormone is observed with the development of uterine atrophy syndrome, prolonged lactation, in men - with pathology of the germinal testicular tissue.

High prolactin in women is observed in diseases such as:

• sarcoidosis;
• granulomatosis;
• craniopharyngioma;
• tumor with metastases;
• germinoma;
• glioma.

If a woman has no appetite, stubborn refusal to eat leads to an increase in the level of prolactin in the blood. In many cases, the analysis shows the development of polycystic ovary syndrome. The doctor establishes the correct diagnosis after studying the results of the study.

An increase in the content of the hormone indicates the development of renal failure, one can suspect the formation of such a severe pathology as cirrhosis of the liver. An increase in the content of lactotropic hormone can indicate a defect in the chest wall, diseases of the adrenal glands, the consequences of surgery on the pituitary gland.

A decrease in prolactin in women occurs as a result of:

• pituitary apoplexy;
• taking Bromocriptine;
• removal of the pituitary gland.

The norm of prolactin in an adult woman is 3.8-23.2 ng / ml, in a man - 3.0-14.7 ng / ml.

Female prolactin may be elevated after taking antipsychotics:

• Haloperidol;
• Sulpiride;
• Thiothixene.

If the analysis shows a low result, the patient is treated with medications such as:

• clonidine;
• Dopamine;
• Levodopa;
• Pergolide Mesylate.

How to donate blood for prolactin

Pass the analysis early in the morning at 7 o'clock. Sometimes blood is taken in the laboratory between 8.30-10.00 am. In order to properly pass the analysis of hemolymph for women, the patient needs to wake up early in the morning a few hours before the study. They prepare for the analysis in advance, and it is not recommended to brush your teeth before the procedure.

Women who smoke should give up cigarettes 2.5 hours before the procedure. A prolactin test should be taken after a 20-minute rest in a calm environment, which will allow a woman to normalize her heart rate after walking.

If a man needs to donate blood for prolactin, he also needs to prepare in advance for the procedure. He can undergo a hormone test on any day of the week, following the recommendation of a lying doctor. Blood is taken from a vein in the laboratory.

Prior to the procedure, palpation of the mammary glands in women is prohibited. To pass the analysis of hemolymph, lactotropic hormone should not be taken after a stressful condition. The place of insertion of the needle into the vein is treated with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution. In the event of a hematoma, the doctor will recommend applying a compress. A patient who could not donate blood due to stress undergoes a re-examination at the time announced by the doctor.

The human body produces biologically active substances - hormones that affect the functionality of organs and systems. Vital processes, including reproductive ones, depend on them.

One of these active substances is prolactin (lactotropin), a hormone that is produced in the female and male body by the anterior pituitary gland. Laboratory tests are carried out to determine the level of this substance.

In the article, we will analyze how to properly take a blood test for prolactin in order to get accurate results.

In the female body, lactotropic hormone is associated primarily with lactation. Promotes the development of the mammary glands in girls during puberty and ensures the secretion of milk after the birth of a child. It is a natural contraceptive during lactation. It also participates in the process of ovulation and stimulates the production of progesterone, a hormone necessary to maintain pregnancy.

The indications for the study are:

• Lack of ovulation or irregular periods.
• Infertility.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Discharge from the nipples in non-pregnant women.
• Delayed puberty at puberty.
• Pain in the chest, mastopathy.
• Problems with lactation.
• Decreased sex drive.
• Severe climax.
• Obesity.

Information about which female hormones should be checked can be found in the article.

In men, lactotropin is involved in the formation of secondary sexual characteristics, the formation of spermatozoa, and regulates immune processes. Indications for examination are a decrease in potency and libido, growth of the mammary glands, obesity, and infertility.

To determine the content of lactotropin, a laboratory study of venous blood is used.

To get accurate results, you need to follow some rules:

• During the day, the level of the hormone fluctuates, and the maximum rate falls on the morning hours. Therefore, at this time, 2-3 hours after waking up, it is necessary to take blood for research.
• The day before the test for prolactin, you should refrain from sexual intimacy, since during sexual arousal the level of this substance increases, and after orgasm, on the contrary, it decreases. Eliminate irritation of the nipples.
• Stress also affects the content of lactotropin in the blood. Therefore, before taking blood, you need to normalize your condition. Those who are afraid of medical manipulations first need to calm down, because this can affect the accuracy of the indicators.
• Exposure to high temperatures can distort the result of the study, 2 days in advance, you should abandon the sauna and any overheating.
• The day before the examination, limit physical activity, in the morning before the analysis, even cancel exercises.
• The study is carried out on an empty stomach, it is also recommended to refrain from smoking. Dinner is preferably light, without spicy and heavy food.

There are no special differences in the training of women and men. For the former, only the phase of the menstrual cycle can play a role. If this aspect is important, the doctor directing the analysis will definitely indicate on which days the material should be taken.

More often, a study is carried out from 3 to 9 days, but fluctuations during the month are not significant. Therefore, the time that is optimal for the patient is assigned. In most cases, several hormones are examined, then the day is chosen the one that is more important.

General information on how to properly test for female hormones is contained in the article.

For research, venous blood is needed. Pick up is required between 8 am and 11 am.

The procedure is painless, but for those who are afraid of any manipulation, it can be unpleasant. Important: before taking blood, you need to calm down, because this can affect the performance.

The analysis itself is done in one day. But the timing of the results depends on the delivery of the material to the laboratory. Usually the answer is ready in 1-3 days. There is an opportunity to make an urgent analysis.

On what day of the cycle to take prolactin

• The female body is very delicate and complex, its hormonal system works like a clock, but sometimes it can malfunction.
• In order to prevent the development of serious diseases associated with the endocrine and reproductive systems of the body in time, it is necessary to periodically be examined and take a blood test to determine the concentration of hormones.
• One of the most important tests is to determine the concentration of prolactin in the blood.

This hormone is synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis), its spectrum of action is multifaceted. Its second name is mammotropin.

What are the functions of mammotropin in the body?

1. controls the process of ovulation formation and blocks its occurrence during pregnancy;
2. during puberty and during pregnancy, it ensures the growth of the lobules of the mammary glands, the expansion of the ducts between the lobules;
3. during pregnancy and the postpartum period, it ensures the formation of colostrum first, and subsequently milk (however, during pregnancy, the formation of milk is blocked by estrogens and progesterone, during lactation the level of these hormones decreases, and mammotropin synthesizes milk);
4. during pregnancy, he is responsible for regulating the water-salt balance of the fetus;
5. stimulates the synthesis of progesterone.

Interesting!: During lactation, this hormone acts as a method of contraception, it completely blocks the processes of ovulation, which prevents a woman from becoming pregnant. However, this is not a 100% method of protection, at least after 6 months of breastfeeding.

Prolactin analysis, what is it? Any woman should monitor the balance of the hormonal background of her body, control the level of hormones, know on which day of the cycle to take prolactin, progesterone, FSH, LH, and also understand what this or that hormone in the body is responsible for.

An analysis for the hormone prolactin is usually prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist or endocrinologist.

Mastopathy, as one of the diseases that can be detected when taking an analysis for prolactin

Prolactin analysis makes it possible to identify a number of diseases such as:

• infertility;
• mastopathy and mastitis;
• galactorrhea;
• disruption of the pituitary and hypothalamus;
• chest pain;
• violation of the menstrual cycle;
• hormonal imbalance.

This is a very unstable hormone, and it can constantly vary its values ​​depending on a number of external factors.

Therefore, it is important to go to the procedure, having previously prepared.

Increases in prolactin due to girl's stress

An increase in its concentration in the blood may be due to:

1. physical activity;
2. starvation / overeating;
3. long sleep;
4. achieving orgasm;
5. psychological stress;
6. pregnancy
7. the use of medicinal preparations.

With the exclusion of all of the above factors, the cause should be sought in the disruption of the internal organs and decide with the doctor whether prolactin requires an analysis.

To obtain the most reliable results, you need to know how to take prolactin correctly.

There are a number of rules on how to properly donate prolactin to a woman:

• Blood sampling must be carried out on an empty stomach. Give up even tea and coffee, as well as bad habits - smoking or alcohol.
• The hormone prolactin, when taken in 2-3 days, it is necessary to abandon excessive stress on the body: sexual abstinence, moderation in food, protein restriction, the last meal at least 8 hours before the test.
• Refusal of thermal procedures: no trips to saunas, baths, you can not take a hot bath or jacuzzi 3 days before the moment of prolactin, when to take it.
• Limit physical activity and stress: do not overwork the body in the gym and try to avoid overexertion at work.
• Use comfortable cotton underwear: it will help to avoid unnecessary itching, redness, friction.
• Full healthy sleep 7-8 hours.
• Prolactin analysis - delivery is carried out in the morning no later than three hours after waking up.
• Any change in the state of the body causes an increase in the level of the hormone in the blood: any malaise, cold or acute respiratory viral infections require the procedure to be postponed until the moment of recovery.
• Prolactin analysis preparation. When you come to the laboratory, you should not immediately go for the procedure, you should sit for at least 15 minutes and take a breath so that the analysis is as accurate as possible.

Attention! The hormone prolactin how to take it correctly: for 2-3 days you need to adhere to a moderate and calm lifestyle. Any surge of emotions from physical activity, stress or joy causes fluctuations in the level of the hormone.

Good sleep to get the right result on the hormone prolactin

Prolactin, what does it show and how to interpret diagnostic information? The results will be ready in about 2 days, however, to interpret the result, the procedure must be repeated 2-3 times, since the hormone rate is individual for each woman, it is best to compare the data with each other.

Prolactin analysis is deciphered at an appointment with an obstetrician-gynecologist or endocrinologist. The average values ​​of the hormone in non-pregnant women range from 3 to 20 ng / ml, in pregnant women - 30 - 380 ng / ml.

Important! Each laboratory independently establishes the reference limits of the analysis norm. The interpretation of the results is carried out only by a doctor, the analysis itself is not a reason for making a final diagnosis!

The analysis is carried out by taking blood on an empty stomach in the morning. The hormone prolactin does not matter which day of the cycle to take, since throughout the cycle the level of its concentration is approximately the same, it rises slightly before menstruation and on the eve of ovulation.

As a rule, an obstetrician-gynecologist prescribes a prolactin blood test on the 3rd-5th day of the menstrual cycle, this is because, along with prolactin, it is also necessary to know the concentration of FSH, TSH, LH, and all these tests are combined into one blood test for convenience.

Also, the analysis can be taken on the 23-26th day of the cycle, provided that the duration of the menstrual cycle is within 28-29 days.

1. However, when taking combined oral contraceptives, it does not matter whether prolactin is given up on which day of the cycle.
2. If breastfeeding is carried out for the period of the analysis, the doctor must indicate on which day to take prolactin. From the moment you take the test for prolactin and the last application to the breast, at least one week should pass.
3. If the hormone test is taken at the time of pregnancy, then the interpretation of the result of the prolactin hormone does not depend on which day it is taken.

Prolactin, when tested, is very sensitive to fatty, salty, smoked, fried and spicy foods. In this case, the last meal should be no later than 8 hours before the start of the analysis.

Avoid eating spicy and salty foods before testing for prolactin

Excessive fasting before the procedure can also affect the test results.

In order to avoid distortions of diagnostic data, recommendations for preparing for taking a blood test for hormones should be strictly followed.

Physical exercise

Regardless of which day to take prolactin, exercise should be limited as much as possible: prolactin in the blood can rise up to 3 times after intercourse. Also, the hormone can increase with standard physical activity, for example, from easy running.

The ban on heavy physical exertion before taking the analysis for mammotropin

Therefore, even a banal morning exercise causes a rise in the concentration of the hormone. The last workout should be 2-3 days before taking blood for analysis, so that the result is as correct as possible.

Conclusion

Now you understand the prolactin blood test, what it is and why it is needed. Not every girl or woman knows about the hormonal status of her own body, which can lead to certain health problems.

Only having an idea about the hormonal status of your own body can you protect yourself from unnecessary problems.

Prolactin is a substance synthesized by brain cells located in the pituitary gland. In medicine, several names of the substance are used: mammotropin, luteotropic hormone, or mammotropic syndrome. Based on the name of the substance, its main function is to stimulate lactation. When a woman begins to breastfeed her baby, the amount of the hormone in the blood increases dramatically.

However, this is not the only function of prolactin - it controls the process of proper formation of the mammary glands - breast enlargement and the formation of ducts. In small quantities, prolactin is present in the male body.

The body synthesizes a huge amount of hormones every day, their quantity and concentration affect the overall well-being and functioning of internal organs. The content of prolactin is important for any organism, regardless of gender and age. Its main functions:

• Maintaining the immune system;
• Maintaining water balance;
• regulation of reproductive function.

With a deficiency of prolactin, ovulation is absent, the menstrual cycle is disturbed.

A high concentration of prolactin in a non-pregnant woman can cause a lack of conception, since the hormone is a natural contraceptive. During breastfeeding, the concentration of prolactin remains consistently high, so a woman will be able to become pregnant after the end of lactation.

According to some experts, prolactin has a direct impact on the formation of the so-called maternal instinct. The main argument is the lack of attachment to children among foster parents, women diagnosed with infertility.

In men, a high concentration of prolactin is the cause of suppression of libido and oppression of reproductive function. Timely diagnosis will reveal such pathologies:

• Diseases of the mammary glands;
• Violations in the activity of the pituitary gland;
• Diseases of an autoimmune nature;
• Pathology of the hypothalamus;
• Vitamin B deficiency.

Referrals are given by the following doctors:

• Gynecologist;
• Andrologist;
• Therapist;
• Endocrinologist.

For each patient, the doctor makes a list of reasons - to issue a referral for diagnosis. The main reason for the examination is the patient's complaints. At the same time, women and men have different manifestations of hormonal failure.

Women's complaints:

• Breast enlargement and discharge from it;
• menstrual disorders;
• Diagnosis of "infertility", lack of ovulation;
• Problems with lactation, lack of milk;
• Delayed sexual development in adolescents;
• Severe symptoms of menopause.

The norm of prolactin in women by age

Newborns have a physiologically high level of the hormone. It gradually decreases over 4-8 weeks of life. Deciphering the results and, if necessary, recalculating units of measurement is done by a specialist. It is difficult to take into account all the nuances on your own.

Where to donate and how much does it cost

You can take tests for prolactin at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology in Moscow (in other cities - in various medical institutions; the cost of prolactin (hormone tests) differs depending on the region, the prices in this material are Moscow).

A biochemical blood test costs 495 rubles, you can perform the procedure urgently for 990 rubles. or invite a laboratory assistant to the house. You can donate hemolymph and get the result within 3-5 hours. The patient is offered to pass the analysis correctly in the office, only a biomaterial is needed.

In the laboratory, the biomaterial is handed over from 9 to 11 o'clock, but the attending physician may indicate other hours of admission. At the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, blood is examined using the ICLA method.

The rule regarding blood sampling indicates the fact that the level of prolactin has daily fluctuations, so the test must be taken from 9 to 11 am. Lactotropic hormone reduces the production of FSH and LH.

Prices are determined without taking into account the cost of the biomaterial. If a client orders several services, then the cost of blood is paid 1 time. The result is provided to the client after 6 hours, if the material is taken from 7 to 9 in the morning.

What does low prolactin mean in women

Deviation from the norm is established only with strict observance of the preparation for the study and the sampling of material, the absence of pregnancy and lactation. Elevated levels, or hyperprolactinemia, may be due to a number of factors:

• pathology of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• insufficiency of thyroid hormones (primary hypothyroidism) and adrenal glands;
• anorexia;
• consequences of the use of steroids, oral contraceptives, opiates, antidepressants.
• Hyperprolactinemia occurs in 0.5% of women in the population. The risk group includes women aged 25-40 years. Operations, radiation, injuries and lesions in the chest area can also cause an increase in the amount of the hormone. These factors cause a chronic pathological increase in prolactin levels and require immediate correction. This excludes iatrogenic and physiological causes of increased hormone activity.

Hypoprolactinemia, or a decrease in prolactin levels, is much less common. The following drugs can reduce the activity of the hormone: anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, valproic acid, levodopa), dopaminergic drugs (bromocriptine, cabergoline, terguride, ropinerol), conjugated estrogens, cyclosporine A, dexamethasone, dopamine, apomorphine, metoclopramide (when taken orally), morphine, nifedipine, rifampicin, secretin, bombesin, tamoxifen, thioxin

Most often, the cause of a decrease in the amount of prolactin is various pathologies of the pituitary gland, Shien's syndrome (a dangerous condition resulting from postpartum hemorrhage), treatment of a tumor of the adenohypophysis, brain infections (tuberculosis, histoplasmosis), and traumatic brain injury.

The deviation of the amount of prolactin in one direction or another serves as a signal for an in-depth study.

The hormone prolactin is necessary for the human body for the proper functioning of various organs. Prolactin is of particular importance during pregnancy and lactation.

The lacotropic hormonal substance is produced by the anterior part of the pituitary gland. Hormonal balance is closely related to the full functioning of the whole organism, so the norm of each of the hormones is of great importance for health.

The substance is found in various biological fluids - blood, breast milk, tears, amniotic fluid, sweat. Outside the pituitary gland, prolactin is synthesized by the endometrium, the central nervous and lymphatic systems.

Functions of Prolactin

The main physiological roles of the hormone are associated with the human gender system. Thanks to the substance, the development of the mammary glands in girls at puberty, the bearing of a child in a woman occurs. The regularity of the menstrual cycle and ovulation depend on the level of the hormone.

Prolactin is present in both male and female bodies, affecting:

• work of immunity
• action of the endocrine glands
• water and electrolyte balance
• reproductive function
• production of breast milk during lactation

What affects hormone levels

The production of prolactin can be stimulated by prolonged physical activity and hard work associated with lifting weights.

The influx of the hormone in some situations provokes an improperly selected bra, which irritates the nipples. Their constant stimulation gives certain impulses to the cerebral cortex. The resulting chain of biochemical reactions causes an increase in the level of prolactin in the body.

They affect the level of the hormone in the human body and constant massages of the cervical region. There are a large number of nerve nodes in the neck that control the synthesis of a substance.

Norm

The norm of prolactin depends on the age of the person and the characteristics of his body. For newborns, it is 78-1705 mU / ml. In the next 8 weeks of development, the level of hormonal substances in the body decreases.

Up to 1 year, the hormone index varies within 608 mU / ml. After 1 year, an indicator of 74-407 mU / ml is considered normal.

Prolactin in women is normally 109-558 mU / ml, in men - 74-407 mU / ml. At the beginning of the monthly cycle, the indicator of the substance in the female body increases. By the time of ovulation, it reaches a value of 0.49-9.42 ng / ml. In the absence of conception, the degree of the substance decreases. With the norm of prolactin for conception and the absence of the use of contraceptives, a successful pregnancy is possible.

The substance is involved in the work of such an organ as the adrenal glands and activates the synthesis of androgens. The hormone promotes conception, normalizes reproductive function, helps a woman bear a fetus.

The hormone affects the development of secondary sexual characteristics in adolescent girls and regulates the beginning of the monthly cycle. Prolactin affects the development of the mammary glands, prepares them for future lactation, and regulates milk production after the birth of a baby.

circadian rhythm of secretion

Fluctuations in the level of hormonal substances are closely related to the daily rhythm. The secretion of a substance is influenced by neurotransmitters. An increase in the level is observed during sleep, therefore, after waking up, an increased amount of the substance is found in the body.

During daytime activity, prolactin levels are high during heavy physical exertion. Also, the synthesis of the hormone increases during crying and orgasm. This happens due to the influence on the degree of dopamine substance. The indicator is closely related to the synthesis of progesterone, so the hormonal balance plays an important role in the concentration of the substance in the body.

In the absence of physical activity, the concentration during the day gradually decreases. A high level is observed only after a person wakes up from sleep in the morning or afternoon hours.

How does prolactin work?

The hormonal substance constantly interacts with other hormones that are produced by the human endocrine glands. The production of the hormone in women causes progesterone to be synthesized by the ovaries. In the male body, prolactin is mainly produced by the adrenal glands and testes.

To regulate the water-salt balance, prolactin retains the necessary water and regulates the excretion of sodium by the kidneys. In the human body, prolactin is involved in many biochemical processes that are necessary for life. Hormone:

• helps to form tissues during the growth of the body;
• activates metabolism and anabolic processes;
• stimulates the sebaceous glands;
• forms sexual desire;
• promotes spermatogenesis;
• regulates the metabolism of fats;
• stabilizes the immune system.

In order for the body to function fully, it is important to regularly monitor the concentration of prolactin.

Forms of prolactin

In plasma, this hormonal substance is present in several forms. There are monomeric form of a substance with high activity, dimeric, trimeric.

Monomeric prolactin is also called small, it has a high affinity for receptors (that is, the ability to bind to receptors). Large prolactin is a dimeric or trimeric form. There is also glycosylated prolactin, its molecular weight is 25,000 MM.

Macroprolactin has a low affinity for receptors, which explains the absence of clinical symptoms at an elevated level of the substance.

Prolactin secretion during and after pregnancy

During the period of gestation, the substance rises, it is produced by the fetal placenta, mammary glands and the immune system. A high concentration of the hormone blocks substances that stimulate the growth of follicles, so ovulation does not occur after conception.

During the entire gestation, the level of the hormone fluctuates. Starting from the 8th week, the concentration of the substance in the blood increases. This is due to the increased production of estrogen and other ongoing changes in the body of the expectant mother. The maximum value of the hormone level reaches after the 20th week.

The norm of prolactin during pregnancy is considered to be the value of 34-387 ng / ml. a high level of the substance is maintained until the birth itself. The norm of the hormone in the first trimester is 500-1000 mIU / l, in the third trimester - 5600 mIU / l.

The need for a prolactin test

In a number of diseases, the concentration of the hormone is significantly increased or, on the contrary, reduced. Impaired production of a substance is indicated by:

• polycystic ovaries
• inadequate kidney function
• thyroid problems
• headaches
• anorexia
• gestation of the fetus
• decreased libido
• severe menopause
• obesity
• pain in the mammary glands.

It is required to pass an analysis for prolactin in case of impaired formation of breast milk during lactation, discharge from the breast in non-pregnant women, male and female infertility.

The study will reveal the causes of delayed sexual development in adolescents, lack of ovulation, and violations of the monthly cycle in girls and women. It is important for men to check the level of the hormone during a decrease in potency. It is imperative to identify the concentration of the substance in various pathologies of the pituitary gland and hormonal imbalance.

Preparation for analysis

To determine the hormonal level, the patient's venous blood is taken. It is recommended to refrain from sexual intimacy a day before the sampling of the biomaterial, to exclude sexual arousal, orgasm and stress. It is also important to avoid nipple stimulation. All of these factors can change the rate of a substance in the blood.

Before analysis, it is necessary to bring your emotional balance back to normal. Nervous excitement and anxiety can cause an increased concentration of a substance in the blood. It is important to refrain from drinking alcohol the day before and avoid smoking.

On what day of the menstrual cycle do they take blood for analysis

Not all patients know which day to take prolactin. Doctors believe that fluctuations in the hormone during the menstrual cycle are not significant and cannot distort the results. However, the study is still best done on day 3-9 of the cycle.

Rules for donating blood

Since the level of the substance fluctuates during the day, the maximum concentration of the monomeric hormone can be detected in the morning. The sampling of biomaterial is required to be carried out 2-3 hours after the awakening of a person. Blood for analysis is taken on an empty stomach in the absence of alcohol and drug intoxication.

The procedure is painless and is performed by a qualified nurse. After sampling, the blood is sent to the laboratory, where it is examined by specialists. The results of the analysis are ready for 1-3 days after blood sampling.

When monomeric prolactin is elevated, this indicates various disorders in the body. It is important to know that hormone readings depend on:

• from the gender of the person
• age
• physiological characteristics of the body
• pregnancy
• body overheating
• time of day

A specialist is engaged in deciphering the results of a blood test for prolactin. It takes into account the indicators of the general hormonal background of the patient, the absence or presence of pregnancy, gender characteristics. The units of measurement of the hormonal substance are mU / l, m U / ml and ng / ml.

Excessive production indicates problems with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, a reduced concentration indicates tumor processes, traumatic brain injury, apoplexy and other pathologies.

prolactin and alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages by the patient on the eve of laboratory blood tests has a negative impact on the results. Alcohol compounds can change the concentration of the hormone in plasma and distort the analysis. It is recommended to donate blood without taking alcohol the day before.

Identification of the hormone level allows you to control the correction of the imbalance of substances, determine the pathology of the thyroid gland, genital organs, and the causes of infertility.