The causes of increased prolactin in women are physiological changes in the body or pathological conditions.
Physiological elevation of prolactin
Let us examine in more detail why prolactin in women rises, and with what changes it can be connected. The physiological increase of prolactin is characteristic during the sleep period. Within an hour after awakening, the level of the hormone gradually decreases to normal levels. A moderate rise in the level of a hormone is possible after a meal containing a large amount of protein, as well as during stressful situations. It is known that sexual intercourse is a powerful stimulator of secretion and prolactin elimination. To the reasons of physiological increase of prolactin level in women it is necessary to include pregnancy and the period of feeding by a breast.
Increased prolactin levels as a symptom of the disease
Pathologically elevated prolactin levels in the blood usually cause menstrual irregularities and even lead to the impossibility of conception. At the same time there are scanty menstrual discharge. In addition, a decrease in sexual desire is characteristic.
Under the long-term effects of hyperprolactinemia, cysts in the mammary gland and the development of mastopathy are observed.
As you can see, the symptoms of this condition are not harmless. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out why prolactin has been elevated in women, because it is important to eliminate the cause of this condition.
From pathological conditions, the following diseases can be the causes of high prolactin in women:
- Tumors of the pituitary and hypothalamus, which are accompanied by increased secretion of prolactin. Possible as an isolated prolactinoma, and a tumor that produces in increased amounts of several hormones.
- The defeat of the hypothalamus for tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, as well as for irradiation of the organ.
- Reducing the formation of thyroid hormones.
- Polycystic ovary , when there is a malfunction in the balance of sex hormones.
- Diseases of the liver, chronic liver failure. The presence of hyperprolactinemia in this case is due to a violation of the metabolism of the hormone.
- Diseases of the adrenal cortex, which lead to increased secretion of androgens and, as a consequence, an imbalance of prolactin.
- Ectopic production of a hormone. For example, with carcinoma in the broncho-pulmonary system, atypical cells are capable of producing hormones.
- The intake of certain drugs such as neuroleptics, tranquilizers, antidepressants, combined estrogen-progestogen and others.
- In some cases, diabetes mellitus in women is accompanied by an increase in the level of prolactin.