Prolactin by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Prolactin hormone side effects and benefit

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone that plays a pivotal role in a variety of reproductive functions. If you are interested in the latest research on natural supplements and hormones, consider subscribing to a free natural medicine Newsletter sent by email.

Prolactin influence on metabolism

Prolactin affects metabolic homeostasis by regulating key enzymes and transporters that are associated with glucose and lipid metabolism in several target organs. In the lactating mammary gland, prolactin increases the production of milk proteins, lactose and lipids. In adipose tissue, prolactin generally suppresses lipid storage and adipokine release. Prolactin  supports the growth of pancreatic islets, stimulates insulin secretion and increases citrate production in the prostate. A specific case is made for prolactin in the human breast and adipose tissue, where it acts as a circulating hormone and an autocrine or paracrine factor. Although the overall effects of prolactin on body composition are modest and species specific, prolactin might be involved in the manifestation of insulin resistance.

High Prolactin Level

Hyperprolactinemia is a common condition that can result from a number of causes; including use of medications and hypothyroidism, as well as pituitary disorders. Depending on the cause and consequences of hyperprolactinemia, selected patients require specific treatment. The underlying cause of hyperprolactinemia, sex, age and reproductive status must be considered. Management of this condition depends heavily on the cause and on the effects it has on the patient. The definition of the hyperprolactinemia is not uniformed, and in various clinical settings various criteria of this status are used. In the identification of hyperprolactinemia not only simple measurements of the prolactin serum level are used, the dynamic tests with the use of dopamine antagonists have a special role as well. Neither the measurement of the serum prolactin level, nor dynamic tests with dopamine antagonists are able to determine the presence of macroprolactin molecules in the serum, and this can lead clinicians to establish the false diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia.
   One cause of a high prolactin level, particularly in women, is treatment with Prozac or other SSRI drugs.

Prolactin and Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis can go into remission when women are pregnant. A study involving mice showed that prolactin triggers production of myelin, a fatty substance that insulates nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system, which normally protects the body, is believed to attack the myelin that coats nerve cells, causing a worsening loss of sensation and movement that can range from relatively minor to profoundly disabling. Perhaps future research will find prolactin could be used in people to repair damage caused by MS and improve their symptoms. Prolactin increases in the body during pregnancy and is involved in stimulating milk production among other things.
 

Prolactin as one of the reproductive hormones

The three reproductive hormones (leutinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin). Reproductive hormones are probably the most commonly measured hormones after the thyroid hormones.

Human reproductive evolution, involving a complex interaction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the release of pulsatile and threshold concentrations of gonadotrophins and positive and negative feedback systems, has ensured the release of a single viable egg and functioning corpora lutea in the natural menstrual cycle.

Prolactin questions
Q. Do you sell a tested herbal product for suppressing prolactin?
   A. I am not aware of such a natural product specifically tested for prolactin suppression.
 

Q. Does the supplement LJ100 influence prolactin?
   A. LJ100, an extract of tongkat ali, may influence hormone levels but it is not clear what kind of influence it has on prolactin.
 

Q. I have a prolactin producing pituitary tumor. I am 46 going through the change.Can Dr. Sahelian take a one time visitor?
   A. Thank you for your email but Dr. Sahelian is currently not taking new patients.

Q. Wondering if you have any products for prolactinoma patients.
   A. At this time we don't have any natural herbs or products for prolactinoma patients.