The hormone prolactin

The prolactin hormone is formed in the anterior pituitary gland. Active synthesis of the hormone of lactation occurs during sleep, intimate proximity. Its another name for the "stress hormone" prolactin was due to a characteristic increase in levels during various emotional and physical overvoltages. That is, transient hyperprolactinemia is often observed in any stressful situations for the body.

In normal women, the hormone prolactin varies on different days of the menstrual cycle and ranges from 4.5 ng / ml to 49 ng / ml. And the greatest value of the level is observed during the ovulatory phase of the cycle. During pregnancy, the norm will be an elevated level, and in the third trimester it can even reach 300 ng / ml. For men, prolactin levels range from 2.5 to 17 ng / ml. As you can see, the indicator is less susceptible to fluctuations than in the female body.

Prolactin functions

Consider what the hormone prolactin is responsible for and what functions it takes in representatives of different sexes. In addition to acting on the reproductive system, prolactin has an effect on immunity. In particular, during intrauterine development of the fetus, increased prolactin protects it from the effects of the immune cells of the mother. The main effects of the hormone in women are presented below:

1. Influence on mammary glands. Under the influence of the hormone, the growth of mammary glands is stimulated, and their preparation for lactation . And also takes part in the stimulation and regulation of the formation of milk during the breastfeeding of the child.
2. One of the most important functions is to maintain the existence of a yellow body in the ovary. Thus, the high level of progesterone that is necessary for normal childbearing is maintained.
3. The effect of prolactin on the formation of the "maternal instinct" and the corresponding behavioral reactions was noted.
4. Regulates the function of the adrenal glands (prolactin stimulates the production of androgens).

In men, the pituitary hormone prolactin has the following effect on the body:

1. Due to the close relationship with LH and FSH, the hormone prolactin potentiates the action of other hormones that regulate sexual function. Including regulates the formation of testosterone.
2. Takes part in the regulation of spermatogenesis.
3. Stimulates secretion of the prostate gland.

Thus, it becomes clear that the hormone prolactin shows the state of the reproductive system of a woman and a man.

Symptoms with increased prolactin

Excess hormone prolactin causes quite serious functional disorders, both in women and men.

1. In the early stages of the disease is characterized by a decrease in sexual desire, which with the progression of hyperprolactinemia leads to reproductive dysfunction.
2. Women have anorgasmia and menstrual cycle disorders. Lean menstruation comes to the fore. When the test reveals the absence of ovulation. This is due to the close relationship between sex hormones and prolactin, since a high level of prolactin reduces the production of LH and FSH . And this is the cause of infertility.
3. There may be discharge from the mammary glands.
4. In men, a violation of sexual function with an increased level of prolactin is manifested by erectile dysfunction.
5. Also, sexual intercourse may not be accompanied by ejaculation and orgasm. When analyzing the spermogram, a small amount of spermatozoa is detected, characterized by a decrease in their mobility and the presence of various defects in the structure.
6. Increased prolactin promotes an increase in mammary glands in men. This condition was called gynecomastia.