Anatomy
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Factors Affect Prolactin Levels?

C.B. Fox
C.B. Fox

A number of different factors can cause prolactin levels to rise or fall. Some of these are normal bodily functions, such as pregnancy, and some are caused by temporary conditions, such as stimulation of the breasts or exercise. In some cases, the use of certain medications or the presence of various medical conditions has been shown to raise prolactin in both men and women. Abnormally low levels of prolactin do not cause problems in patients who are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding.

In healthy adults, the prolactin level is affected by whether or not a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding. Though the pituitary gland of both men and women releases prolactin, levels in the blood are usually low — between 2 and 18 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) in men and 2 and 29 ng/mL in women. Women who are breastfeeding can have significantly higher levels, with normal levels between 10 and 209 ng/mL. In otherwise healthy women, stimulation of the breasts can temporarily increase prolactin levels, and in both healthy men and women, exercise or stress can increase the body's production of this hormone.

Women who are breastfeeding can have significantly higher levels of prolactin.
Women who are breastfeeding can have significantly higher levels of prolactin.

Certain medical problems also cause increased levels of prolactin in both men and women. The hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain, and a tumor that presses against this gland or that forms within the gland can cause it to secrete greater amounts of prolactin. Problems with the kidneys or the thyroid have also been known to increase prolactin.

If a tumor is present on the pituitary gland, it may secrete excessive amounts of prolactin.
If a tumor is present on the pituitary gland, it may secrete excessive amounts of prolactin.

Increased prolactin levels can also be caused by certain medications. Some H2 blockers, antidepressants, and medications containing estrogen can cause a rise in prolactin. Tranquilizers such as trifluoperazine can also have this effect. Medications that lower prolactin do not cause problems for patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding because normal levels of prolactin are generally quite low.

Men suffering from elevated prolactin levels may experience loss of libido.
Men suffering from elevated prolactin levels may experience loss of libido.

A simple blood test can be performed to find out what a patient's prolactin levels are. Doctors will often test for prolactin more than once to see how the levels fluctuate over time. If prolactin levels are found to be high, other tests can be done to determine the reason. In some cases, high levels of prolactin can be indicative of a serious or even life-threatening condition.

Discussion Comments

Telsyst
Breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding for mothers. There are many advantages to this. First, it promotes the natural bond a mother and child share. The closeness helps relax the child and promotes healing through that relaxation.

The second and perhaps most important thing is the natural elements found in breast milk not found in manufactured brands. There are not just nutrients in breast milk, but also other important building blocks for a baby's growing immune system.

Women should never be ashamed to feed their babies, no matter the place or time. A healthy baby should be the first thing on a mother's mind.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Women who are breastfeeding can have significantly higher levels of prolactin.
      By: Claudio Divizia
      Women who are breastfeeding can have significantly higher levels of prolactin.
    • If a tumor is present on the pituitary gland, it may secrete excessive amounts of prolactin.
      By: 7activestudio
      If a tumor is present on the pituitary gland, it may secrete excessive amounts of prolactin.
    • Men suffering from elevated prolactin levels may experience loss of libido.
      By: Ambrose
      Men suffering from elevated prolactin levels may experience loss of libido.
    • Stress can increase the body's production of prolactin.
      By: dubova
      Stress can increase the body's production of prolactin.
    • Exercise can temporarily increase the body's prolactin levels in both men and women.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Exercise can temporarily increase the body's prolactin levels in both men and women.
    • Pregnancy is a normal reason for prolactin levels to be affected.
      By: yarkovoy
      Pregnancy is a normal reason for prolactin levels to be affected.
    • Problems with the kidneys may occur as a result of increased prolactin levels.
      By: maya2008
      Problems with the kidneys may occur as a result of increased prolactin levels.
    • Issues with the thyroid gland may cause an increase in prolactin levels.
      By: Dario Lo Presti
      Issues with the thyroid gland may cause an increase in prolactin levels.