What causes prolactin to be high in females?

Normally, men and nonpregnant women have just small traces of prolactin in their blood. When you have high levels, this could be caused by: Prolactinoma (a benign tumor in your pituitary gland that produces too much prolactin) Diseases affecting the hypothalamus(the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland)

What are the side effects of high prolactin levels?

Symptoms include irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, menopausal symptoms (hot flashes and vaginal dryness), and, after several years, osteoporosis (thinning and weakening of the bones). High prolactin levels can also cause milk discharge from the breasts.

What should I do if my prolactin levels are high?

Treatment for high prolactin levels

  1. changing your diet and keeping your stress levels down.
  2. stopping high-intensity workouts or activities that overwhelm you.
  3. avoiding clothing that makes your chest uncomfortable.
  4. avoiding activities and clothing that overstimulate your nipples.
  5. taking vitamin B-6 and vitamin E supplements.

What happens if prolactin level is high in female?

Excess prolactin can cause the production of breast milk in men and in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. In women, too much prolactin can also cause menstrual problems and infertility (the inability to get pregnant). In men, it can lead to lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Does high prolactin make you tired?

Rarely, the prolactinoma may press on the rest of the pituitary gland, stopping it from producing other hormones. This can cause symptoms such as tiredness, fainting, low blood pressure, low blood sugar or collapse.

Can high prolactin make you feel sick?

Nausea and vomiting. Problems with the sense of smell. Sinus pain or pressure. Vision changes, such as double vision, drooping eyelids, or visual field loss.

Does increased prolactin cause weight gain?

High levels of prolactin can also result in weight gain and neuropsychological disturbances.

Can high prolactin cause irregular periods?

Mild prolactin elevations, between 25-50 ng/mL, do not usually cause noticeable changes in menstrual cycles, though they may decrease overall fertility. Higher prolactin levels between 50-100 ng/mL may cause irregular menstrual periods and significantly decrease a woman’s fertility.