A woman is considered he althy when her hormonal system is also he althy. An increase in prolactin is a serious deviation that can bring a huge number of problems. Any representative of the weaker sex of reproductive age may encounter such a phenomenon that can make her not only sick, but also childless. In this article, we will talk about the symptoms, treatments, causes and consequences of elevated prolactin in women. Read the information provided carefully in order to arm and protect yourself as much as possible.
What is prolactin and what is its role in the female body?
Prolactin can be called a female sex hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland, as well as some other tissues and organs. It has the greatest impact on the reproductive capabilities of the female body. It contributes tothe woman was able to successfully bear her child, and is also responsible for the process of delaying ovulation and the onset of the lactation process.
This hormone (you can read about the treatment of elevated prolactin in women in this article) is able to actively influence many biological processes in a woman's body. Consider which ones:
- helps a woman not get pregnant while she is breastfeeding her baby;
- this hormone is also a natural pain reliever and can even lower the sensitivity threshold if necessary;
- hormone promotes breast enlargement so that a woman can feed her newborn baby;
- it also contributes to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body and is responsible for the smooth flow of the menstrual cycle.
Causes of increased prolactin in women
The consequences of such a phenomenon can be really terrible, so it is very important to figure out what causes the increase in prolactin. By doing this, you can save your he alth, as well as the he alth of your unborn baby. Of course, slight fluctuations in the amount of this hormone will not be able to pose a significant threat to your he alth. Treatment for elevated prolactin in women should be started immediately.
So, let's look at what factors can contribute to an increase in the level of this hormone:
- Stressful situations. Do not forget that stress is almost alwayscontribute to disruptions in the hormonal system of the body.
- Drinking alcohol and exercising too much.
- The level of this hormone increases significantly directly during pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding. In this case, such a state is considered quite normal.
- Frequent visits to baths and saunas.
- Sexual intercourse shortly before diagnostic measures may also be the cause of increased prolactin in women (how to reduce the level of this hormone, you can read below).
- Also, the use of certain medications, in particular psychotropic drugs, can also affect the level of female hormones.
This hormone is also called the "stress hormone" because its level always rises when the body is under stress.
What pathologies indicate that the hormonal state is disturbed
Prolactin levels can rise not only under the influence of physiological and mental causes, but also due to the presence of certain pathologies in the body. Consider for what pathological reasons the level of prolactin in the female body can change:
The occurrence of tumor-like formations in the part of the brain responsible for the production of this hormone
- Treatment of elevated prolactin in women should be to eradicate the cause of this phenomenon. Quite often the level of thisthe hormone is increased if a woman has hormonal imbalances, namely thyroid disease.
- Also, the problem may appear due to the presence of serious pathologies of the liver and kidneys, as well as with polycystic ovaries.
Increased hormone levels in pregnant women
Treatment of elevated prolactin in women should not be carried out if such a condition is observed in the fair sex during childbearing or during the lactation period. This condition is considered completely normal. After all, prolactin is considered a hormone of the reproductive system, which means that it prepares a woman's body for childbirth and helps the expectant mother to be able to feed her baby.
The hormone prolactin takes an active part in the process of fetal formation, and is also responsible for the child's immune system. At the same time, it ensures the production of breast milk.
Usually, during pregnancy, doctors do not study this hormone, as they know that it is pointless to do this.
Signs of high prolactin in women
Usually, an increased level of this hormone is always accompanied by certain symptoms. However, in some cases, the symptoms are so erased and ambiguous that the patient does not see any need to consult a doctor, which only worsens his condition even more. Consider the main signs of increased prolactin in women:
- prolonged absence of menstruation;
- a woman fails to conceive a child for a long time;
- presence of milk discharge from the breast, not related to lactation;
- fast and drastic weight gain;
- complete absence of the ovulation process;
- presence of severe and frequent headaches;
- decrease in sexual desire;
In fact, it is almost impossible to diagnose the problem on your own, since these symptoms are inherent in just a huge number of other pathologies.
Where is the danger?
Many of the fair sex are interested in the question of what threatens increased prolactin in women. In fact, the main danger lies in the presence of a disease, due to which the level of this hormone in the body has increased. In itself, an elevated condition does not pose a serious danger, but only on condition that it arose as a result of physiological changes in the body.
If you ignore certain diseases for a long time, then a woman may experience ovarian dysfunction. At the same time, her periods will disappear and discharge from the mammary glands may occur.
Most often, the level of prolactin increases in the presence of benign tumors and cysts in those areas of the brain that are responsible for the synthesis of this hormone. Please note that such formations can turn from benign to malignant, which will end in death. A tumor in the brain will provoke the production of a large amount of prolactin, and this will lead to severe headaches and even partial or complete blindness.
Diagnostic measures
It is very important to study whatincreased prolactin in women. Improper production of this hormone has many negative consequences, including death. Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor in order to check the condition of your hormonal system. You can contact an endocrinologist or a gynecologist, they will direct you to take tests. The first thing you will need to do is take a blood test to determine the hormonal background. If the results are poor, the doctor will also have you for an ultrasound, and may also recommend an MRI of the brain.
Many representatives of the beautiful half of humanity ask the question: "What should I do if prolactin is elevated in women?". Of course, urgently go to the hospital and do not try to self-medicate. Only an experienced doctor will help you make an accurate diagnosis, as well as prescribe treatment, taking into account the individual characteristics of your body.
Treatment measures
If, during the course of diagnostic measures, it was found that the level of prolactin in women is elevated, it is very important to begin immediate treatment aimed at eliminating the pathologies that caused this condition.
If the patient has a tumor in the brain, the doctor will prescribe urgent medication, which is most often quite successful. However, in some cases, it is still necessary to take more drastic measures, so specialists may decide to perform a surgical intervention.
Most often, in order for the level of prolactin to return to normal, doctors prescribevarious medications for their patients. "Dostinex" with increased prolactin in women is very popular, as this remedy really does its job perfectly.
There are also medicines such as Bromocriptine, Cybergoline, Pergolid, and many others. Please note that they can only be used as directed by your doctor. Self-medication can lead to complications and bad consequences.
Usually, the course of treatment with these drugs lasts for two months, and during this time the hormonal background of the body is getting better. The use of a medical method of treatment can quickly eliminate the symptoms. However, if conservative treatment fails and the patient has a growing brain tumor, doctors strongly recommend urgent surgery.
Features of diet food
Diet with increased prolactin in women is not prescribed by specialists. Scientists to date have not been able to determine whether there are any products that allow women to lower the level of prolactin in the body. However, there is a certain list of products that should not be abused. Here is a list of foods that increase prolactin in women:
- cottage cheese;
- eggs;
- fatty fish;
- beans, peas and other legumes;
- various types of cheeses.
As you can see, this list consists of protein products. It is proteins that can slightly increase the production of prolactin. However, in no case do not completely exclude protein foods from your diet. Try to just eat more rationally. Eat as many vegetables and herbs as possible, and include nuts and seeds in your diet.
How to lower prolactin without medication
Usually, a non-drug method of lowering prolactin levels is used when the lactation process needs to be interrupted. This can be done using several effective methods:
- applying a tight bandage around the mammary glands;
- reducing fluid intake;
- gradual weaning of the baby from the breast by increasing the time intervals between feeding;
There are also folk methods than to reduce prolactin in women. This should include the use of herbal teas that have a diuretic effect on the body, as well as the use of decoctions and tinctures that have a sedative effect on the nervous system. It is also recommended to try to drink anti-inflammatory fees, they include components that help reduce the production of prolactin.
Preventive measures
With an elevated level of this hormone, it is very important to clearly follow all the recommendations of your doctor and in no case self-medicate. So, let's consider what needs to be done in order for the hormonal system to be in a normal state:
- minimize the use of alcoholic beverages and tobacco;
- exercise regularly, butwhile watching their intensity; it is better to exercise a little, but every day, than to do it once a week, but at a very intense pace;
- try to avoid stressful situations; normalize the mode of rest and work, and also refuse the use of psychotropic medications;
- pay attention to your diet; eat only foods that are he althy for your he alth, properly distributing the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates consumed.
Following these simple guidelines, you can quickly restore your hormonal levels. Remember that your most important task is to establish your own lifestyle and not put off seeing a doctor.
Conclusions
The hormone prolactin can be very dangerous for women's he alth. Its increased production may indicate the presence of dangerous pathological processes in the body, so be sure to consult a gynecologist (or endocrinologist) to check the state of your hormonal system. Keep in mind that any disease is always much easier to prevent than to cure later, so carefully monitor your he alth. Once you start taking care of yourself, your body will start taking care of you. If you feel any discomfort, then do not be afraid to consult a doctor, undergo an examination and pass all the necessary tests. Love yourself, take care of yourself, and then you will not be afraid of any pathologies. Stay he althy!
