Prolactin fertility or impotence?

Prolactin is a hormone made in the pituitary gland. It stimulates the production of breast milk by the female mammary gland tissue. Elevated prolactin inhibits fertility. Excessive prolactin may be caused by increased stimulation by hormones from the higher hypothalamus or by a tumor.

This examination may be requested to detect the cause of unexplained milk secretion from the nipples, to investigate fertility problems, and to determine the presence of a prolactinoma (tumor in the pituitary gland).

The amount of prolactin is increased during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. Some physical disorders can lead to an increased prolactin level for example anorexia nervosa, kidney diseases, an upset (sex) hormone balance or the presence of a prolactinoma (a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that produces prolactin). The use of some medications can also lead to elevation of prolactin, for example, estrogens, tricyclic antidepressants, tranquilizers, some blood pressure reducers, and drugs used to treat regurgitation from the stomach.

Low concentrations of prolactin may indicate a disorder of pituitary function. Use of some drugs can also cause a lowering, for example dopamine and other drugs that affect the nervous system.

In men, this test is requested along with testosterone and thyroid tests to determine the cause of impotence.

Avoid stressful situations before or during the blood collection, due to day-night rhythm variations, blood collection is recommended in the morning (around 8am)