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Elevated prolactin levels can lead to a wide variety of health problems. Its increased concentration is especially worrying for women who are planning to expand their family or are currently pregnant. What are the norms of prolactin and how to interpret the test result? What are the causes of elevated prolactin levels and how to combat this problem?
What is prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone that is produced in the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone belongs to the group of peptides and in the human body it consists of 198 amino acids. Prolactin plays a very important role, as it is estimated that it is involved in over 300 processes, also released by other organs such as the mammary gland, uterus, prostate and skin cells. The concentration of prolactin in the blood is not constant. The highest levels of prolactin in the blood are recorded late at night and in the morning. As the day goes on, prolactin levels gradually decrease. Prolactin levels are significantly increased in pregnant and lactating women.
Find out what the level of prolactin in your body is, and also determine other hormones. Right now on Medonet Market you will find the package Women’s hormone management – blood test.
Elevated prolactin – norms
The norms of prolactin concentration in the blood may differ depending on the laboratory where the test was performed. Nevertheless, it is possible to indicate averaged standards to which the results of this study should be compared:
- in men, the normal concentration of prolactin in the blood is less than 5 ng / ml;
- in women, the normal concentration of prolactin in the blood ranges from 6 to 29,9 ng / ml.
Testing the concentration of prolactin in the blood in women must take into account the day of the menstrual cycle, because the concentration of this hormone changes significantly in the subsequent phases of the cycle.
Prolactin – research and interpretation of the result
Prepare yourself for the blood prolactin test. At least one day before blood sampling, no sexual activity should be undertaken, and a hearty dinner should be skipped on the day before the examination. Prolactin testing is performed on an empty stomach, and blood sampling should take place in the morning. The patient should also not be nervous, and the examination itself should not be preceded by physical exertion. Both of these factors increase the level of prolactin in the blood. Interpretation of the prolactin level result is within the competence of a specialist physician, however, inflated results clearly indicate specific ailments. If the prolactin level exceeds 25 ng / ml, it means that the patient may have irregular periods as well as non-ovulatory menstrual cycles. A result above 50 ng / ml is a signal of complete cessation of menstruation. If the test shows a prolactin level higher than 100 ng / ml, it may indicate a tumor of the pituitary gland.
Elevated prolactin – treatments
Treatment of elevated prolactin depends on the cause of the appearance of too high a concentration of this hormone. In the case of drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia, it is usually sufficient to discontinue the drug that caused the increase in hormone secretion. The remaining cases of functional hyperprolactinaemia are treated with the administration of dopamine agonists, including bromocriptine. Hyperprolactinaemia may be associated with hypothyroidism or renal failure. In both cases, treatment for elevated prolactin is causal. The effects of treating increased prolactin are usually very satisfactory, so it is worth consulting any abnormalities with a doctor who will take the appropriate course of action.
It’s also a good idea to check your prolactin level before you become pregnant. When planning a family, it is worth doing the examination package Preparation for pregnancy – blood tests for the expectant mother.
Some supplements have a limiting effect on the secretion of prolactin. An example of such a preparation are tablets with chaste plant, a plant with a beneficial effect on the hormonal balance of women.
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