The hormone is prolactin. How and when to take

The hormone prolactin is responsible in the female body for lactation and development of the mammary glands. It also has a number of other effects. So, the increase of this hormone leads to infertility in women and impotence in men.

Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, a small amount of it is formed in the endometrium. It delays the release of salt and water by the kidneys. In men, the hormone prolactin stimulates the production of testosterone, as well as the proper development and formation of spermatozoa.

Its level significantly increases with stress, high levels of estrogen, exercise, sex, sleep, overheating, lactation and pregnancy. Increases the concentration of prolactin taking certain drugs.

So, increased prolactin symptoms:

• Decreased sexual desire;
• Rare menstruation or lack thereof;
• Decreased potency;
• Absence of ovulation ;
• infertility;
• Allocation of colostrum or milk from the breast outside lactation and pregnancy;
• Gynecomastia;
• Violation of the cycle.

If there are such manifestations, then it is necessary to examine the blood.

So, you need to check prolactin, when to take it and how? The study is usually conducted on day 5 of the cycle, unless the treating doctor has recommended another time. On the eve of a visit to the laboratory, you should not drink alcohol, have sex and exercise, work on the chest, visit the sauna, and experience stress.

An hour before the study, quit smoking. Half an hour before the analysis to sit quietly - calm down and relax. The study is conducted in the morning, preferably up to 10. The laboratory should be strictly on an empty stomach.

Usually the result is ready in a few days. The letterhead necessarily indicates the norms of the selected laboratory, because they depend on the test systems and units used.

Prolactin is increased in the following cases:

• Chest damage;
• stress;
• Autoimmune diseases;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• Hypovitaminosis B6;
• Kidney failure;
• Hypothyroidism;
• Diseases of the hypothalamus;
• Tumor and dysfunction of the pituitary gland;
• PCOS (polycystic ovary);
• Galactorrhea-amenorrhea;
• Breast-feeding, pregnancy.

A high level of hormone blocks the synthesis of FSH. As a result , the egg does not ripen, and pregnancy becomes impossible. It is this mechanism that prevents the conceiving of a nursing woman. Therefore, the hormone prolactin is often the culprit of infertility.

It also rises during pregnancy due to high levels of estrogen. Before delivery, its level is reduced, and then again increases when breastfeeding begins.

Quite often, the cause of a significant increase in the hormone is a pituitary tumor. It is diagnosed using computed tomography. Quite often such neoplasms are accompanied by headaches and vision problems.

Treatment for increased prolactin is carried out by eliminating the cause that caused it. Also used are special drugs that reduce its level, including natural ones, for example, Cyclodinon, Matodinon. After the course of treatment a woman can become pregnant.

Prolactin is reduced in the following situations:

• Hyperglycemia (high glucose level);
• Reception of thyroxine;
• X-ray therapy;
• Removal of the pituitary gland (surgical).

So, the hormone prolactin mainly affects the mammary glands and is responsible for lactation. With its increased value, ovulation does not occur, and pregnancy becomes impossible. In the presence of characteristic symptoms it is necessary to pass the analysis and consult with a specialist. To obtain reliable results, the study must be properly prepared. Today, there are effective drugs to reduce prolactin, which helps with infertility and sexual problems.