Prolactin Increase - A Key to Infertility

June 18, 2008

There are many reasons for infertility. Some reasons involve complications from disease, dietary issues, and even ovulation irregularities. Perhaps one of the more common causes of infertility is excessively high levels of the hormone known as Prolactin. Known as Hyperprolactinemia, high Prolactin levels are found in 1/3 of infertility cases.

Why is Prolactin Important?

Prolactin is most integral in regulating lactation. When the baby suckles the mother’s nipple, Prolactin is released and the breast fills with milk. Prolactin also affects a variety of other activities in both the woman’s and infants body. Prolactin affects sexual satisfaction and arousal, surfacant synthesis of fetal lungs, and the infant immune system. Of course in relationship to infertility, higher Prolactin levels can trick the body into thinking that there is no need to ovulate, because the mother has already gone into the breast feeding phase.

Causes of Hyperprolactinemia

Hyperprolactinemia or high Prolactin affects both women and men. Perhaps the biggest cause of high Prolactin is the use of prescription drugs. Many studies have shown that prescription drugs such as tranquilizers, Stelazine, Haldol, Reglan, and others that are known to block Dopamine production lead to an increased level of Prolactin. Other causes are problems surrounding the pituitary gland, like prolactinoma, which is a tumor on the pituitary gland.

Treatment for High Prolactin Levels

The drug most often picked to treat Hyperprolactinemia and return the levels of Prolactin to normal is Bromocriptine. After levels return to normal, menstruation and ovulation return in about six months.

Although high Prolactin levels contribute to most infertility problems, it is a situation that is treatable given the couple is privy to the proper information.

Learn more about fertility and Prolactin levels here: http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/learning/articles/prolactin.html

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