Milk hormone, also known as prolactin, is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland in the brain. Its primary function is to stimulate milk production in the breasts during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, elevated levels of prolactin can have a range of effects on the body, including disrupting menstrual cycles, reducing fertility, and causing breast milk production in people who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
There are several reasons why someone may have increased levels of prolactin:
Prolactinoma: This is a non-cancerous tumor that grows on the pituitary gland and causes it to produce too much prolactin. This is the most common cause of increased prolactin levels.
Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications, can increase prolactin levels.
Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to increased prolactin levels.
Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can cause the body to produce more prolactin.
Exercise: Intense physical exercise can temporarily increase prolactin levels.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Naturally, levels of prolactin increase during pregnancy and remain high during breastfeeding.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS may have elevated levels of prolactin.
Symptoms of increased prolactin levels can include irregular periods, infertility, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness and milk production, and in men, erectile dysfunction and breast enlargement. If you suspect you have high levels of prolactin, it’s important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment may include medication to lower prolactin levels, surgery to remove a tumor, or management of an underlying medical condition such as hypothyroidism or PCOS.
