What Is Prolactin And What Is Its Function?

Have you ever heard of prolactin? It is likely that at least women who have been pregnant have heard of this hormone, also called milk hormone, and its effects on the body’s milk production. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, the main functions of which are to stimulate the growth of mammary epithelial tissue during pregnancy and to initiate milk production from the mammary glands after childbirth. This hormone maintains the milk production of the mother’s body, especially at the beginning of breastfeeding.

Normally, dopamine secreted by the hypothalamus inhibits prolactin secretion, and men and women who are not pregnant usually have little of this hormone. However, after delivery, the prolactin-releasing hormone secreted by the hypothalamus causes prolactin secretion.

Functions of prolactin

The main functions of prolactin are as follows:

• It stimulates the growth of mammary epithelial tissue during pregnancy.
• It causes the mother’s body to produce milk after giving birth and helps maintain milk production, especially at the beginning of breastfeeding.
• It blocks the secretion of certain other hormones by sending a message to the body that a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding.
• It slows down ovarian function and follicular maturation, thus prolonging the menstrual cycle. For the same reason, it can prevent successive pregnancies. It is not a 100% sure method of contraception, but it prevents ovulation while a woman is breastfeeding. It also plays a role in the normalization of menstruation after childbirth.

Excessive or too little secretion of prolactin

Too little or too much prolactin can be a sign of health problems. The body’s prolactin level can be easily determined by a blood test.

The reference values ​​for prolactin are as follows:

• Women over 10 years of age: 96-770 mIU / l
• Women after menopause: 38-430 mIU / l
• Men over 13 years of age: 53-360 mIU / l

Excessive secretion of prolactin

As we have said, prolactin enables, among other things, the production of milk for the needs of the baby, but its unnecessary overproduction can also have negative effects. In men, it causes impotence, libido disorders, infertility and breast growth. In women, overproduction of prolactin interferes with ovarian function, which can lead to infertility. It is often associated with a prolonged menstrual cycle or absence of menstruation, as well as breast milk leakage.

Excessive prolactin secretion can be caused by factors such as:

• Kidney disease
• Liver damage
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Prolactinoma, a tumor of the pituitary gland
• Hypothyroidism
• Diseases affecting the hypothalamus
• Chest damage
• Anorexia
• Certain medicines used to treat depression, psychosis and high blood pressure

Certain natural herbs can help control high levels of prolactin. The best help is a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which includes vitamins A, B6, C and E as well as folic acid, iron and zinc.

Too little secretion of prolactin

Too little secretion of prolactin has not been found to affect men or women who are not pregnant. However, in pregnant women, it can inhibit milk production. Because prolactin is involved in many important processes, its regulation is important.