Prolactin is a lactogenous( lactogenic) hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. The name of this biologically active substance comes from one of its functions in the female body - stimulation of the growth of the mammary glands and the formation of breast milk. Despite its not male name, for a strong half of humanity the level of this hormone affects the sexual desire and functioning of the reproductive system. Hence, it is very important for the male half of humanity.
Increase of prolactin level
Receptors of this hormone are present in almost all human organs. However, the influence exerted by prolactin on the body is not sufficiently investigated. The level of this hormone in men is lower in comparison with its content in women. In the male body, prolactin performs the following functions:
- stimulates immunity,
- participates in weight control,
- forms a sexual desire,
- participates in reactions regulating the production and motility of spermatozoa,
- is involved in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.
The norm of the content of men in such a biologically active substance in the blood is 2.5-16 ng / ml. The level of this hormone is subject to change within a day. So, his maximum is reached during sleep, in the morning. Also, its increase is caused by excessive physical exertion, due to sexual intercourse or a large amount of protein food.
The change in the level from the norm during the day can fluctuate within 10-15%.Such fluctuations are considered natural. However, the increased content of prolactin in the blood can be resistant, then its high level is provoked by pathological diseases. This condition is called hyperprolactinemia.
Causes of
Elevated levels of prolactin can be caused by a number of diseases. The causes of an increase in the content of this hormone in the blood of men are as follows:
- dysfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary,
- frequent stressful situations,
- kidney or thyroid disease,
- symptoms of liver cirrhosis,
- addiction,
- use of certain medications such as antidepressants or antipsychotics,
- hypovitaminosis B6,
- chronic prostatitis,
- of an autoimmune disease.
About giperprolaktinemii possible to approve only after confirming the stability of increasing the content of the hormone. This can only happen after the blood test in the laboratory.
Symptoms of
Symptoms for getting medical advice for a blood test can be:
- hair growth reduction,
- depression,
- reproductive system disorders - decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, and infertility,
- changes in fat and carbohydrate metabolism resulting into obesity,
- gynecomastia - the growth of the mammary gland in men, as well as the allocation of colostrum - galactorrhea.
Consequences of
Initially, the disease is seen as the impact of various psychogenic causes on the body of a man. Psychogenic impotence is one of the most common initial diagnoses for such patients. The development of obesity very often occurs when there is a high level of prolactin in the blood.
Some patients complain of the following symptoms: memory loss, fatigue, chest pain in the heart area without a clear location. At the same time, there may be frequent headaches, trembling of hands and feet, as well as an increase in sweating.
Because of prolonged retention of the elevated level of the hormone, a decrease in bone density and, as a consequence, an increase in their fragility can be caused. Such a disease is called osteoporosis. It is this circumstance that is the main cause of permanent and frequent fractures. These are the symptoms and consequences in the absence of timely treatment.
Treatment of
The treatment is to eliminate the cause that caused the increase in the hormone content, and then bring it to normal. Initially, an endocrinologist will be assigned a test, which includes blood donation for biochemical analysis and determination of the hormonal level. To identify the presence of pituitary adenoma, tomography is assigned, which can be either magnetic resonance or computer.
The most common diagnosis in men, which is determined with a tomography - macroadenoma of the pituitary. This benign glandular growth.
Deciphering the biochemical blood test helps determine if there are abnormalities in the functioning of the kidneys, liver or pancreas. In this case, changes in the content of bilirubin, creatinine and glucose in the blood can be detected. For treatment, medication or radiotherapy can be used, possibly also surgeon intervention.
Prolactinum - a hormone important both for men, and for women. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor your health and with anxious symptoms to consult specialists.
