What causes high prolactin levels in non-pregnant females?

If prolactin levels are higher than normal, it often means there is a type of tumor of the pituitary gland, known as a prolactinoma. This tumor makes the gland produce too much prolactin. Excess prolactin can cause the production of breast milk in men and in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can you have high prolactin without being pregnant?

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition of too much prolactin in the blood of women who are not pregnant and in men. Hyperprolactinemia is relatively common in women. About a third of women in their childbearing years with irregular periods but normal ovaries have hyperprolactinemia.

What is prolactin test for non-pregnant female?

A prolactin (PRL) test measures how much of a hormone called prolactin you have in your blood. The hormone is made in your pituitary gland, which is located just below your brain. When women are pregnant or have just given birth, their prolactin levels increase so they can make breast milk.

How can I lower prolactin levels in non-pregnant women?

Prolactinomas can usually be treated successfully with medication alone. Medication lowers the prolactin level in the blood substantially, often to normal, and also usually reduces adenoma size.

Should I be worried about high prolactin levels?

Hyperprolactinemia is a treatable condition in which you have higher-than-normal levels of prolactin, a hormone, in your blood. While it isn’t life-threatening, hyperprolactinemia can cause infertility and other issues.

Does PCOS cause high prolactin?

Some women with PCOS do have elevated prolactin levels, typically falling within the 25-40 ng/ml range. ANDRO is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. Sometimes high levels of this hormone can affect estrogen and testosterone levels. Normal ANDRO levels are between 0.7 3.1 ng/ml.

Can stress cause high prolactin levels?

Prolactin levels also get higher during times of physical or emotional stress. Many medicines can cause prolactin levels to go up. Tumors of the pituitary gland can sometimes cause prolactin to be made. A damaged pituitary gland may not be able to make normal amounts of prolactin so levels will be lower.

Can prolactin cause weight gain?

High levels of prolactin can also result in weight gain and neuropsychological disturbances.

Does high prolactin cause belly fat?

Conclusion: Weight gain and elevated body weight are frequently associated with prolactinomas regardless of a mass effect on the hypothalamus or pituitary function. In this series, weight loss was recorded in 70% of prolactinomas patients and in 90% of male patients who normalized their prolactin levels.

Does high prolactin make you tired?

Rarely, the prolactinoma may press on the rest of the pituitary gland, stopping it from producing other hormones. This can cause symptoms such as tiredness, fainting, low blood pressure, low blood sugar or collapse.