Prolactin - a hormone responsible for lactation, which is produced and regulated by the pituitary gland.Prolactin has a direct impact on the course of pregnancy.Under the action of this hormone is synthesized colostrum and then - milk.The amount of milk in women depends on the level of prolactin in blood.With the help of prolactin is the development of breast cancer, and this hormone is a natural contraceptive.When the hormone prolactin in women increased, a condition called hyperprolactinemia.About this disease may indicate a violation of the menstrual cycle.
If prolactin is elevated in women, the reasons may be the following:
Physiological:
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pregnancy;
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breastfeeding;
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sexual intercourse;
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hypoglycemia (hunger);
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physical and emotional stress;
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prolonged massage of the neck;
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protein foods;
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deep sleep.
Pathological:
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tumors of various kinds;
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endocrine diseases;
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vitamin deficiencies;
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disruption of the liver and kidneys;
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anorexia;
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polycystic ovaries;
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medication: estrogens, amphetamines, tricyclic antidepressants, oral contraceptives and some others.
causes of increased prolactin in women can be installed, run the diagnostic tests.Blood on prolactin can be taken any day of the cycle.Two days before delivery of analyzes it is recommended to give up the sweet, sex, breast examination, exercise.Since the levels of the hormone increases during sleep, the analysis should take no earlier than 2 hours after awakening, and fasting.This will help to more accurately establish the causes of elevated prolactin in women.
Symptoms of hyperprolactinemia:
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lack of ovulation and, consequently, infertility.It is also possible miscarriage in the first weeks of pregnancy.
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irregular or absent menstrual periods;
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galactorrhea - the milk from the breast;
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increased hair growth on the face, the abdomen, around the nipples;
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acne;
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decreased sex drive, lack of orgasm;
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malfunction of the thyroid gland;
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weight gain, as the hormone prolactin increases appetite;
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blurred vision, memory, sleep disorders, depression;
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osteoporosis.Increasing the hormone prolactin promotes the leaching of calcium from the bone tissue, leading to bone fragility.
treatment of hyperprolactinemia
treatment is to normalize the concentration of the hormone prolactin in the blood.Physiological increase in the hormone does not need special treatment.Once the causes of elevated prolactin eliminated in women, the amount of the hormone is stabilized.If the survey showed that the cause of hyperprolactinemia is pathological, the treatment is assigned individually.This can be a drug therapy and surgical intervention.
causes of increased prolactin in women may be obvious, but may need additional examination.Therefore, in order to detect possible disease in time and successfully implement its treatment, you should regularly visit your doctor and take all the necessary tests.
