Prolactin is an essential protein hormone for female sexual function such as pregnancy and lactation. Prolactin plays a crucial role in breast development, stimulating milk production, maintaining milk production, and promoting the growth of the necessary mammary glands for milk. However, elevated levels of prolactin after weaning can lead to hyperprolactinemia, menstrual irregularities, and sexual dysfunction in women. Prolactin levels can be managed by following healthy habits like a balanced diet, adequate stress management, hydration, etc. Hyperprolactinemia can also be treated through medications, counselling, and surgery, in serious cases.
What is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a protein hormone produced by the pituitary gland; a small gland situated at the base of the brain. Its name is derived from its function of promoting milk production [lactation]. In addition to lactation, prolactin is also an essential player in various physiological functions. Regulating the immune system, pancreatic development, contributing to metabolism, and others. You can read more about the physiological roles of prolactin here.
Primary Female Sexual Function of Prolactin
A quick overview of the fundamental functions of prolactin:
- Childbearing: Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy, in preparation for breastfeeding.
- Lactation: Prolactin is essential for lactation, breast development, and milk production. After childbirth, prolactin stimulates milk production, maintains milk production once initiated, and promotes the growth of mammary alveoli. Alveoli are components of the mammary glands responsible for milk production.
- Regulating Menstrual Cycle: Prolactin helps regulate menstrual cycle by suppressing ovulation. However, high levels of prolactin can lead to menstrual irregularities.
- Sexual Function: Prolactin levels can rise and impact sexual function in women due to its role in menstrual cycle and lactation.
While prolactin is essential for various functions, elevated levels of prolactin outside pregnancy and lactation can impact sexual function in women. It’s important to note that several factors influence prolactin levels. Stress, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions are some examples. It’s important to manage prolactin levels to maintain an overall hormonal balance and reproductive health in women.
How High Prolactin Levels Affects Female Sexual Function
Elevated prolactin levels can have an unintended impact on the delicate hormonal balance that overlooks sexual health in women. Let’s look at how high prolactin levels influence sexual function:
- Hyperprolactinemia: Hyperprolactinemia is a condition characterized by elevated levels of prolactin in blood. It can be caused by a variety of factors, like underlying medical conditions, physiological roots, or sometimes the cause may be unknown. Some of the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia are irregular periods, absence of menstrual cycle, abnormal milk production, and decreased libido, infertility, and bone mass.
- Suppression of Libido: Increased levels of prolactin may hinder the production of other essential hormones like estrogen and progesterone, leading to a decrease in sexual desire.
- Menstrual Irregularities: As mentioned earlier, high levels of prolactin can suppress ovulation, which leads to irregular periods or even amenorrhea [absence of periods].
- Vaginal Dryness: A disruption in hormonal balance can impact vaginal lubrication, causing discomfort and pain during sexual activities.
- Difficulty Achieving Orgasm: Women with hyperprolactinemia may have trouble achieving orgasm or experience an overall decreased sexual satisfaction.
It’s crucial for women experiencing abnormal periods or symptoms of sexual dysfunction to seek medical advice. A qualified healthcare professional can conduct tests on prolactin levels and recommend the appropriate course of action to treat the hormonal imbalance.
What Are The Causes of High Prolactin Levels
As aforementioned, hyperprolactinemia can be caused by several known and unknown factors. Some of the common causes of prolactin imbalance are as follows:
- Hormonal Disruption: Hormonal disruption caused by stress, thyroid dysfunction [hypothyroidism], and polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] can stimulate the release of prolactin.
- Pregnancy and Postpartum: Prolactin levels naturally rise during pregnancy and postpartum to support breastfeeding. However, if the levels remain high after weaning, it may indicate an issue.
- Medications: Specific medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihypertensives may increase prolactin levels as a side effect.
- Medical Conditions: The most common cause of hyperprolactinemia is prolactinomas, a noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland that can increase prolactin levels. Similarly, hypothalamic diseases, conditions that impact the hypothalamus, can impact prolactin levels. Other medical conditions like renal insufficiency and liver cirrhosis may also contribute to elevated levels.
- Hypothalamic Factors: Lesions or damage to the hypothalamus, an area that regulates the release of hormones, can also affect prolactin levels.
Understanding and addressing the underlying cause of elevated prolactin levels are crucial to restoring the hormonal balance. If you experience symptoms of high prolactin, it’s important you consult a qualified healthcare professional and undergo relevant tests to receive accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.
Diagnosing Prolactin Imbalance and Sexual Dysfunction Revealed
Diagnosing prolactin imbalance and the related sexual dysfunction usually includes a comprehensive assessment including several tests such as:
- Clinical Evaluation: Clinical evaluation involves a detailed understanding of the patient’s medical history, symptoms related to sexual dysfunction, and detecting potential causes of hyperprolactinemia.
- Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination, with a focus on breast and genital, can provide valuable clues on sexual dysfunction and hyperprolactinemia.
- Laboratory Tests: Laboratory tests to measure prolactin levels, in addition to other essential hormones like TSH, estradiol, and testosterone, can help understand hormonal imbalance and possible causes of sexual dysfunction.
- Imaging Studies: In some cases, the doctor may recommend an MRI to evaluate the pituitary glands for the presence of prolactinomas or other abnormalities.
- Sexual Function Assessment: Questionnaires or interviews covering a range of topics, including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and overall sexual satisfaction may be used to understand sexual function.
How To Treat Prolactin Imbalance
Possible treatment options for prolactin imbalance and related sexual dysfunction in women may include:
- Medications: For prolactinomas, dopamine agonist medications [medications that mimic the action of dopamine] are often used to reduce prolactin levels and reduce the size of the tumor. These are often the first line of treatment. In cases where high prolactin disrupts estrogen levels, hormonal therapy may be recommended to restore balance.
- Surgery: In cases where medications are ineffective or if there are complications like vision loss, surgery may be considered to remove the prolactinoma.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Addressing the underlying factors like stress, inadequate sleep, or certain medications can be helpful.
- Counseling or Therapy: For sexual dysfunction caused by hyperprolactinemia, counselling or therapy may be beneficial to tackle psychological and interpersonal factors influencing sexual function.
As with all treatments, it’s important to note that the specific approach to treatment will depend on individual symptoms, underlying causes, and overall health.
Easy Tips To Manage Prolactin Levels?
Certain lifestyle modifications can help manage prolactin levels and support sexual function in women. These habits are as follows:
- Regular Exercise: Certainly, regular exercise is essential for good health. Exercise can help reduce stress and improve overall health which in turn contributes to healthy hormonal balance and sexual function.
- Adequate Sleep: Getting an adequate amount of sleep is essential for maintaining hormonal balance and reducing stress levels.
- Balanced Diet: Having a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can support hormonal balance and overall health.
- Stress Management: Managing stress through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce elevated prolactin and enhance sexual function.
- Quit Unhealthy Habits: Try to quit or moderate alcohol consumption and tobacco, as these can interfere with hormone regulation.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as excess body fat can lead to hormone imbalances.
- Hydration: Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day since dehydration can impact hormonal balance.
In addition to following healthy habits, it’s essential to schedule regular follow-ups with your doctor to monitor and manage prolactin levels.
Get The Help You Need With Dr. Mozhgan
In conclusion, while prolactin is an essential hormone during pregnancy and postpartum, elevated levels throughout can disrupt hormonal balance and sexual function in women. If you’re experiencing symptoms of elevated prolactin levels or sexual dysfunction, it’s essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional near you. Consider Dr. Mozhgan, one of the best gynecologists in Dubai, UAE. With over 25 years of invaluable experience, she is at forefront of treating female sexual dysfunction in the Middle East.
Book an appointment & take control of your health!
