Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland of both men and women. But at any age in men its level is constant, and in women there will be fluctuations, depending on the age and phase of the menstrual cycle. In children, prolactin is low, and its increase begins in girls during puberty.
Also, the increase in the hormone prolactin in women is physiologically observed during pregnancy and for the duration of breastfeeding. It can be elevated in women after sex or stimulation of the nipples, after severe stress, and at this time it is not recommended to pass the test for prolactin . Prolactin and its level in the blood affect female sex hormones, especially hormonal imbalance. And after menopause, the level of prolactin may decrease slightly.
The norm of prolactin in women
In non-pregnant women in the reproductive period, the level of prolactin ranges from 4 to 23 ng / ml, and in pregnancy its level rises from 34 to 386 ng / ml.
The causes of increased prolactin
Increase the level of prolactin may be due to diseases of the hypothalamus (tumors, tuberculosis), pituitary diseases (prolactinoma). But a number of diseases of both genitals and other organs and systems can also cause an increase in the level of prolactin.
The level of prolactin rises with such diseases of the ovaries, as polycystic .
A high level of prolactin will occur when:
- hypothyroidism;
- diffuse toxic goiter;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- anorexia;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- chronic renal failure;
- as well as with injuries of the chest.
Causes of a decrease in prolactin
The level of prolactin in the blood may fall in some malignant tumors of the pituitary gland or its tuberculosis, after severe craniocerebral trauma, a decrease in the level of prolactin is possible after prolonged use of drugs that may lower its level.