what is prolactin?
prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, best known for its role in milk production after childbirth. however, prolactin is present in everyone, not only those who are breastfeeding, and it has a number of functions beyond lactation.
what does prolactin do?
prolactin's most well known role is stimulating milk production in the breasts following childbirth, but it is also thought to play a part in:
- reproductive health and regulation of the menstrual cycle
- immune system function
- metabolism
- influencing mood and stress responses
prolactin outside pregnancy and breastfeeding
prolactin levels are normally low in people who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, though levels can rise temporarily in response to factors such as sleep, stress, exercise, nipple stimulation and even eating a meal. these everyday fluctuations are usually short lived and not a cause for concern.
what influences prolactin levels?
prolactin production is influenced by a range of factors, including:
- pregnancy and breastfeeding, when levels rise substantially
- sleep, with levels naturally rising during sleep
- stress, both physical and emotional
- certain medications, including some used for mental health conditions and nausea
- conditions affecting the pituitary gland
when prolactin is higher than expected
persistently raised prolactin outside pregnancy or breastfeeding, sometimes called hyperprolactinaemia, can interfere with the usual hormonal signals that regulate ovulation and the menstrual cycle, and has been linked with irregular periods and, in some cases, unexpected breast milk production. it can have a number of underlying causes, ranging from certain medications to conditions affecting the pituitary gland, so it is not something you can diagnose yourself from symptoms alone.
why prolactin needs proper assessment
because prolactin can be temporarily raised by everyday factors like stress or even the process of having blood drawn, a single result needs to be interpreted carefully and sometimes repeated or considered alongside other tests, in the context of an individual's full health picture.
if you have symptoms that might relate to prolactin, such as unexplained changes to your periods or unexpected breast changes, please speak with a doctor or another qualified healthcare professional, who can arrange appropriate testing and advise you.