Geri

Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone that stimulates the proliferation of mammary glands and milk secretion. It is synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland and in small amounts in peripheral tissues. During pregnancy, it is also synthesized in the endometrium. Prolactin supports the corpus luteum and progesterone synthesis during pregnancy and stimulates mammary gland development. It plays a role in sexual behavior formation and regulates water-salt metabolism, enhances calcium absorption, and activates anabolic processes in the body. Among other effects, it influences hair growth and has a modulatory effect on the immune system.

Prolactin secretion fluctuates throughout the day. Levels increase during sleep, drop sharply after waking up, reaching a minimum in the morning and around noon, and then rise again in the afternoon. When stress is absent, prolactin levels remain within the normal range. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, prolactin levels are higher than during the follicular phase.

  • The test is performed on a blood sample drawn from a vein.
  • The test should be taken after 8–14 hours of fasting.
  • Before the test, physical exertion, emotional stress, and alcohol consumption should be avoided.
  • The patient should rest for 20–30 minutes before the test.
  • Galactorrhea
  • Cyclic breast pain
  • Mastopathy
  • Anovulation
  • Oligomenorrhea
  • Infertility
  • Diagnosis of sexual infantilism
  • Diagnosis of chronic inflammation of internal genital organs
  • Postpartum lactation disorders
  • Severe menopause
  • Obesity
  • Hirsutism
  • Osteoporosis
  • Assessment of the feto-placental unit
  • Decreased libido and potency (in men)
  • Gynecomastia (in men)

Causes of Elevated Prolactin Levels:

  • Hypothalamic disorders
  • Pituitary gland diseases
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Adrenal cortex deficiency
  • Estrogen-producing tumors
  • Breast trauma
  • Ectopic hormone synthesis
  • Anorexia
  • Insulin-dependent hypoglycemia
  • Use of certain medications, such as:
    • Neuroleptics
    • Ranitidine
    • Cimetidine
    • Furosemide
    • Peridol (Haloperidol)

Causes of Decreased Prolactin Levels:

  • Sheehan’s syndrome
  • Radiation therapy
  • Factors causing hyperglycemia
  • Use of certain medications, such as:
    • Anticonvulsants
    • Dopaminergic drugs
    • Conjugated estrogens
    • Cyclosporin A
    • Dexamethasone
    • Dopamine
    • Apomorphine
    • Metoclopramide
    • Rifampicin
    • Thyroxin