What causes high prolactin in males?
What is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland which sits at the bottom of the brain. Prolactin causes breasts to grow and develop and causes milk to be made after a baby is born. Normally, both men and women have small amounts of prolactin in their blood. Prolactin levels are controlled by other hormones called prolactin inhibiting factors (PIFs), such as dopamine. During pregnancy, prolactin levels go up. After the baby is born, there is a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone. High prolactin levels trigger the body to make milk for breastfeeding. In women who aren’t pregnant, prolactin helps regulate the menstrual cycle (periods). In men, prolactin affects sperm production. Read More >>
What causes high prolactin in males?
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), prolactinoma is the most common type of pituitary gland, making up about 40% of all pituitary tumors. This benign tumor can cause the pituitary to create too much of the prolactin hormone and can result in a decreased level of testosterone in men. Unfortunately, the cause of these tumors isn’t entirely clear and they are less common in men. Read More >>
Other potential causes of elevated prolactin levels include:
Medication
If you are taking any medicine that affects the production of dopamine, it can have an effect on prolactin production. This means that medicines used to treat mental health conditions, high blood pressure, and pain relievers can all affect your prolactin levels. Read More >>
If you think your medication may be having an effect on your hormone production, it’s important to speak with your doctor; levels can return to normal within a few days after stopping the medication.
Other conditions
As well as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), kidney disease, and shingles can all have an effect on your levels of prolactin. If you feel have any of the mentioned conditions and are experiencing signs of high prolactin levels, reach out to your doctor for advice. Read More >>
What are the side effects of high prolactin in males?
If elevated levels of prolactin are caused by a prolactinoma, you might not always notice obvious signs or symptoms. However, if the tumor causes pressure on the surrounding tissues, it can cause a number of signs. And because of the important role prolactin plays in the reproductive system, the signs can differ for men and usually include: Read More >>
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased body and facial hair
- Low bone density
- Low libido
- Low testosterone production
- Infertility
What is the role of prolactin in males?
We’re all aware of the important role prolactin plays in milk production, but as we know, this hormone isn’t limited to one function, and although its various functions are still being studied, research suggests that it can regulate: Read More>>
- Behavior
- The immune system
- Reproduction
- Metabolism
