Prolactin is a hormone that is responsible for many important functions in human beings such as the differentiation of the cells that perform different functions such as the mammary gland and in the stimulation of the mammary alveoli in parturition, for the production of breast milk. It is secreted by the pituitary glands, immune systems, and others.
Prolactin is a very important hormone that plays a major role in the reproductive system. It is found in both males and females, but the females have high amounts of it when they are in the phase of reproduction. It is found and is secreted from the front region of the pituitary gland in the brain. Apart from the pituitary gland, it is also secreted by the cells of the immune systems, breasts, adipose tissue, skin, and uterus.
Prolactin leads to the production of milk in the breasts of the woman in the phase of reproduction. The hormone is however mostly responsible for the differentiation of the cells that are responsible for the execution of different kinds of activities. The hormone is only subjected to production when there are high levels of the hormone, cortisol. The hormone has a very important role in the stimulation of the mammary alveoli, the ingredient responsible for the milk’s production post the birth of the child.
Apart from the process of its main function of lactation, there are many processes that are carried out by the hormone prolactin. It aids in the development of the lungs in the foetus. It has another main role that is in the controlling of the osmolality, formation of the steroid hormones, growths of the ducts, and lobular alveolar system in the breasts.
Additionally it aids in formation or production of the milk protein casein, and lactalbumin, in the metabolism of the subcutaneous fat, carbohydrate, calcium, and Vitamin D. In males, the prolactin hormone enhances the functions of reproduction along with other hormones such as LH and testosterone.
The situation in which the blood circulating in the body has more prolactin is known as hyperprolactinemia. There are many causes that lead to the condition of hyperprolactinemia, and they are pregnancy, medications, hypothyroidism, and benign pituitary tumours.
The disease is said to be more common in people who are below the age of forty, are females (AFAB) compared to males (AMAB).
Some of the symptoms of the disease include anovulation, infertility, unnatural growth of the hair, unnecessary production of milk, amenorrhea, menstrual cycle disturbances, sexual side effects, and others.
Opposite to the condition of hyperprolactinemia, when there is less amount of prolactin circulating in the blood, the condition is known as hypoprolactinemia. The situation is very uncommon and may take place with the inadequate working of the pituitary gland, and Sheehan's syndrome. Less amount of secretion of the prolactin hormone leads to insufficient production of milk after childbirth.
The symptoms for the detection of the less amount of prolactin are generally not detectable in females. Symptoms that may show its deficiency include the decreased immune response to some infections. However, in males, detection is possible as they begin to suffer oligospermia and vision issues.
PRL test or the test for prolactin is utilized for the examination of the level of prolactin hormone in the body of any human being. The test is also performed for the examination of pituitary adenoma, hyperprolactinemia disease, hypothalamic disease, monitoring of the prolactin-producing tumours, and the reason for infertility among both males and females.
Till the time of puberty, the levels of the hormones in both males and females remain the same. The level rises or expands up to two to three times during the time of sleep, or in the wee hours of the morning. In a new-born baby, the level should be in the range of thirty to four hundred and ninety-five ng/mL. In the kids, the level must be in the range of 3.2 to 20 ng/mL. In the adult male and the adult female the amount of the levels of the hormone should be in the range of 0 to 20 ng/mL and 0 to 25 ng/mL respectively. In pregnant women, the levels of the hormone should be in the range of twenty to four hundred ng/mL.
Figure 2: Secretion level of Prolactin Before and After Pregnancy
Prolactin hormone is a very crucial hormone in the reproductive system of females, particularly during parturition. They help in the production of the milk for the birth of the child in the females, though they are present in some amounts in the males and the kids as well.
Q1. Can stress cause high levels of prolactin?
Ans. Evidence says that high levels of psychological stress can lead to high prolactin levels as a result of high cortisol. It is according to the massive individual variation in the magnitude of response. However, the design of the response of the prolactin does not differ in males and females.
Q2. What is the common cause of prolactinoma?
Ans. Prolactinoma is a tumour that develops in the pituitary gland. The common cause of prolactinoma is increased levels of prolactin hormone as a result of hyperprolactinemia. The effect can be due to an effect on the pituitary which controls it. Hyperprolactinemia can take place due to pregnancy, medication, or others.
Q3. What are the consequences of high prolactin?
Ans. High prolactin levels can lead to a condition known as hyperprolactinemia. Too much prolactin can lead to the discharge of the milk unnecessarily, lack of pattern in the menstrual periods, symptoms of menopause, and infertility. After some time, it can even lead to osteoporosis, which is the weakening of bones.
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