Overview
High levels of prolactin are also known as hyperprolactinemia. Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland situated in the brain that responsible for the production of other hormones in the body. Prolactin can be found in both men and women. In women, prolactin is important for the production of breastmilk after childbirth. High levels of prolactin are caused by pituitary tumours called prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, contraceptive pills, menopause, antihypertensive medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics. Women with high levels of prolactin can have infertility, irregular periods, loss of libido, breast tenderness, vaginal dryness, and painful intercourse. Men with high levels of prolactin can have erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, infertility, lactation, and loss of libido. To diagnose hyperprolactinemia, serum prolactin levels are measured. The causes can be identified with proper history, physical examination, MRI scan, blood tests, and other hormone level tests. It is treated according to the cause.
