Prolactin is one of the most important hormones, both in women and men. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland. It is very important for the regulation of water-salt metabolism in the human body, because it delays the release of water, as well as salt by the kidneys.
For men, prolactin is important, primarily in that it participates in the development of the main male hormone - testosterone. Only when prolactin in men is normal, spermatozoa are formed and develop correctly. In addition, prolactin is involved in immune responses and is responsible for regulating sexual function.
The hormone prolactin in men is normal
The hormone prolactin in men often deviates from normal indicators due to stress, excessive physical exertion, and also because of a very active sexual life, or, conversely, because of a lack of sexual contacts.
Prolactin in men should be in the range of 53 to 360 mU / l. Its level is maximal in the morning and minimal in the evening. To give blood to the analysis in order to find out the level of this hormone, it is necessary in the morning and on an empty stomach. It is important to know that after waking up, at least 3 hours must pass. One day before blood donation it is necessary to completely exclude sex, visiting saunas, baths, drinking alcohol. Also, stress should be avoided. Within an hour before the analysis is not recommended to smoke. Also need to stay at rest for at least 30 minutes before going to the laboratory. If you take into account all the above recommendations does not work, then, as many doctors recommend, it is better to postpone the analysis at a more favorable time in order to get the most accurate result.
Increase in prolactin in men
If a blood test for hormones shows that the hormone prolactin is elevated in men, then this does not always mean the occurrence of any disease. Perhaps this is just a temporary and self-avoiding imbalance associated with a man's way of life. However, such diseases as:
- kidney failure;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- tumor or dysfunction of the pituitary gland;
- hypothalamic disease;
- hypothyroidism;
- chest damage;
- autoimmune disease.
Stably increased levels of prolactin in a man can lead to infertility , weakening of potency, erectile dysfunction, obesity, decreased vitality, sleep disorders, gynecomastia (breast enlargement by female type).
The causes of increased prolactin in men, therefore, are often associated with impaired functions of the pituitary gland, as well as with the lifestyle of a man. Since it is not possible to reduce prolactin in men without taking medication, doctors usually prescribe special drugs that normalize the level of the hormone in the blood and allow to eliminate the consequences of those diseases that are caused by a high level of prolactin. In some cases, resort to surgery - to remove the pituitary tumor.
Low prolactin in men
Reduction of prolactin in men can occur because of this or that physiological process, and also because of the disease. Often, prolactin is low in those men who take anticonvulsant drugs that are characterized by narcotic effects. X-ray therapy also provokes a decrease in the level of prolactin.
Scientists have proved that a lower concentration of prolactin poorly affects the psyche of a man and reduces sexual activity. It is for this reason, if a lowered prolactin is detected in men, treatment should be necessarily prescribed and passed.