What does increased prolactin in women

Prolactin is a hormone that producespituitary. In the female body, in a small amount, it also produces a layer of endometrium. There are several types of hormones: monomeric, tetrameric and dimeric prolactin. Most of all, the body contains a monomeric form.

Despite modern methods of scientificstudies, there is still no definitive effect of prolactin on the body. It is known that it promotes the development of mammary glands in women, the formation of colostrum, the formation of lobules and ducts in the chest, and also affects the subsequent decrease in activity of the lactation process. In addition, prolactin regulates water-salt metabolism in the human body. In women, hormone also acts as a contraceptive. It is due to prolactin during pregnancy and lactation that the risk of re-conception is minimized. But as soon as a woman stops the process of lactation, or it ends for other reasons, this hormone action is canceled.

Increased prolactin in women in some casesis considered the norm. For example, during pregnancy in the blood gradually increases its concentration. Immediately before birth, its activity decreases, and then increases only with the onset of breastfeeding.

If the pregnancy has not occurred, elevatedProlactin in women can lead to unpleasant consequences. But, before making any conclusions, it is necessary to repeatedly pass the tests, and strictly on an empty stomach. It is also necessary to maintain emotional stability, because the level of hormones can change under the influence of stressful situations in any direction. A huge role is played by the day of the menstrual cycle at the time of diagnosis. The fact is that the increased prolactin in women is directly related to the phase of ovulation.

Symptoms of increasing hormone levels are known: decreased sexual desire, hair growth in uncharacteristic places, acne, excess weight, menstrual irregularity and absence of ovulation. Some symptoms are characterized by increased prolactin in men.

Such changes in the human body lead toviolation of its performance. Women complain of a prolonged lack of conception and a minimum of milk to be separated after childbirth. In men, impotence or decreased erectile function, infertility, enlargement of the mammary glands and even colostrum are observed.

Elevated prolactin in physiological womencharacter can be, as already mentioned, during pregnancy, during lactation, with emotional stress, after intercourse. In the morning hours, namely about 5 - 6 o'clock in the morning, the level of the hormone increases in both sexes.

Pathological increase of prolactin speaks aboutpresence of damage to the pituitary gland, tumors, irradiation with radioactive substances, trauma to the thoracic region, renal insufficiency, a lack of B vitamins. Some drugs also help increase prolactin.

At the slightest suspicion of this pathologyshould consult a doctor - an endocrinologist. If necessary, he will appoint additional diagnostics, on the basis of which the final diagnosis is made. Treatment is appointed strictly in an individual order.

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