One has higher-than-normal levels of prolactin in your blood and normally affects person under the age of 40 years old and mainly affects females (rare in males and children).
Prolactin (also known as lactotropin) is a hormone that’s mainly responsible for the development of mammary glands within breast tissue, milk production and lactation.
Prolactin levels are normally low in people assigned male at birth (AMAB) and non -lactating and non-pregnant people.
Prolactin levels are elevated in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Normal values for prolactin
For people assigned male at birth: Less than 20 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter).
For people assigned female at birth who are not pregnant or chestfeeding: less than 25 ng/mL.
For people who are pregnant or breastfeeding: 80 to 400 ng/mL.
Cause
Idiopathic hyperprolactinemia (no known cause)
Family history: multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1
An overactive:
Pituitary gland (the main organ where prolactin is produced and is secreted)
Central nervous system
Immune system
Uterus
Mammary glands
Prolactinoma – Benign (noncancerous) tumour that forms in your pituitary gland and causes excess production of prolactin.
Large tumours (other than prolactinomas) located in or near your pituitary gland- the tumour prevents dopamine, which suppresses prolactin, from reaching your pituitary gland.
Nelson syndrome – abnormal hormone secretion, enlargement of the pituitary gland (hypophysis), and the development of large and invasive growths known as adenomas.
Medication (dopamine helps suppress the production of prolactin in your body. Any medication that affects the production or use of dopamine in your body can make your prolactin levels rise):
High blood pressure medications i.e. calcium channel blockers (verapamil) , methlydopa and reserpine
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Hyperprolactinemia in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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