This hormone is produced in the anterior pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. In the body of a woman, he is present in several forms. That is why often girls after the test for hormones, are interested in: monomeric prolactin - what is it? This is the most common form in the body of a given hormone. It is the most immunologically active, and therefore predominant. The most rare is the tetrametric form, which is biologically almost inactive.
What role in the female body does prolactin?
To avoid health problems, every woman should know what the hormone prolactin is responsible for. Its main functions are:
- maintenance of milking of milk during lactation;
- stimulation of growth of the lobules of the glandular tissue of the mammary glands;
- prevents ovulation with an already occurring pregnancy;
- prevents subsequent pregnancy after a recent birth;
- reduces pain sensitivity.
Separately, it is necessary to mention the effect of prolactin on pregnancy. First of all, it is:
- protection of embryonic cells from the effects of the immune system of the mother;
- preparation of the lungs of the future baby for the first inhalation - under the influence of prolactin and oxytocin, a surfactant is formed, which prevents the alveolar walls from falling off.
How to determine the level of prolactin in the body?
Girls who take tests during pregnancy are often interested in doctors, what is this blood test for prolactin? When it is carried out, it is necessary to specify the date of the last menstruation and the gestational age at which the blood is taken. At the same time, the results of the analysis are highly dependent on external factors. Therefore, before passing the procedure it is necessary:
- exclude sexual contact 1 day before blood donation;
- for a day not to take a bath - increasing the temperature of the external skin can trigger an increase in the level of the hormone;
- To exclude the day before physical unloading and playing sports.
What are the indices of prolactin?
The level of prolactin, like other hormones in the body, is unstable. It all depends on the day of the menstrual cycle, as well as whether the woman is pregnant or not. Therefore, the norm is the fluctuation of the concentration of the prolactin hormone in the blood in the range of 109-557 mU / l.
What diseases show an increase in prolactin?
Quite often the hormone prolactin in the blood of women is increased. This state is observed, primarily, with:
- pathological conditions of the hypothalamus, which is not uncommon in sarcoidosis, as well as in tumors adjacent to the adjacent brain regions;
- decreased thyroid function;
- cirrhosis of the liver ;
- polycystic ovaries ;
- taking drugs (Furosemide, Ranitidine).
What leads to a decrease in prolactin concentration?
The level of the hormone prolactin in a woman's blood can be lowered for a variety of reasons. Most often this is:
- Shihan syndrome (apoplexy of the pituitary gland);
- increased glucose levels;
- X-ray therapy;
- medications (Rifampicin, Nifedipine, Morphine).
In addition, it is necessary to take into account the fact that in the early morning, the level of prolactin increases. Therefore, it is recommended to take the test not earlier than 2-3 hours after awakening.
Thus, prolactin has an effect on various processes in the body. That is why it is very important to keep under control its blood level. This is especially important in pregnancy, tk. this hormone has a direct effect on the process of delivery.