What does low prolactin mean?

Prolactin is known to be a hormone that stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk after giving birth in a woman. However, this hormone is present in both men and women, and low prolactin levels can be a sign of hypopituitarism.

Prolactin is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland, where prolactin is stored and then released into the bloodstream. Prolactin is also produced in the uterus, immune cells, brain, breast, prostate, skin, and fatty tissue. The name of this hormone comes from the term “lactation” which means milk production. The target organ of prolactin is the mammary gland, which plays a role in promoting the development and differentiation of the mammary glands and stimulating postnatal lactation.
One of the main regulators of prolactin production from the pituitary gland is a hormone called dopamine, which is produced by the hypothalamus. Dopamine limits prolactin production, so the more dopamine there is, the less prolactin is released. Estrogen is another major regulator of prolactin and has been shown to increase prolactin production and secretion from the pituitary gland. In addition to dopamine and estrogen, a whole host of other hormones can increase and decrease the amount of prolactin released in the body, such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone, oxytocin, and antidiuretic hormone.
For most men and women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, there are only low levels of prolactin in the body. Doctors measure hormone levels in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).
Normal level is:
Female: less than 25 ng/mL. Male: less than 17 ng/mL. Prolactin levels in the blood increase in some normal physiological conditions such as: After a meaty meal, after intercourse, nipple stimulation, after exercise or under stress, in pregnant women. pregnancy and lactation.

Disrupted prolactin levels can be seen in women with ovarian problems, metabolic syndrome, anxiety as well as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low sperm count (oligozoospermia). , low sperm count (asthenospermia), decreased seminal vesicle function and decline in men. Medical laboratory professionals report that sperm characteristics can usually be restored when treated prolactin levels return to normal values ​​in hypoprolactinemic men.
Lower than normal levels of prolactin in the blood can be a sign of hypopituitarism.

Some drugs can also cause a decrease in the level of prolactin in the blood such as dopamine, levodopa or ergot alkaloids.

The prolactin test is a simple technique that measures the amount of the hormone prolactin in the blood to check if the level of prolactin is too low or too high.
A doctor may recommend testing for prolactin levels if someone:
Has symptoms of a prolactin-producing tumor Prolactin test is ordered along with other hormone tests such as growth hormone: excludes the following: pituitary or hypothalamic disease Monitor a patient being treated with certain drugs that can affect the production of dopamine - a hormone that inhibits the secretion of prolactin In men to check for testicular dysfunction, have low testosterone levels, erectile dysfunction In women with problems with infertility, irregular menstrual cycles and hypothyroidism, increased lactation when not pregnant or breastfeeding Vinmec International General Hospital is One of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its comprehensive and professional medical examination, consultation and treatment services. ; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.
Customers can directly go to Vinmec Health system nationwide to visit or contact the hotline here for support.

SEE ALSO :
The relationship between the hormone Prolactin and breast milk secretion How is breast milk "produced"? Did you know: Breast milk also has many types according to each stage