What is the Prolactin Hormone Function in Females? How to Improve PRL?

Prolactin is a vital hormone that is responsible for several important functions in women, but the major role of the hormone is in the development of mammary glands and milk production. Prolactin levels are tracked during pregnancy, as an important hormone to ensure optimal health.

That's why it is important to know the main functions of PRL in the body, so that any symptoms can be tracked to detect changes in levels. You can consult with your doctor about the right treatment form, including medication and dietary changes. 

Understanding the prolactin hormone function in women

Prolactin is the hormone responsible for lactation in women, which is vital during pregnancy. It is also a contributor to dozens of other important physiological functions in the body, ensuring strong bones, regular periods, and improved vitality.

During pregnancy, it is the main hormone that is responsible to respond to the act of suckling for the baby. The milk production is activated through the hormonal pathway, allowing for the baby to gain nutrition through the mother's milk.

That is why it is important to track the levels of prolactin in the body for women. It can be essential to know your baseline PRL and what elevated prolactin can look like for a woman who wants to start a family. It is essential to also know whether the secretion of prolactin is normal after delivery.

You may get these symptoms if your prolactin is too high

You should track these symptoms to know whether your prolactin levels are too high, relative to normal levels in women. By understanding the prolactin hormone function in females, you can check for the main symptoms and get tested.

Issues with menstrual cycle

You can have issues with your menstrual cycle, which can lead to problems with PCOS or other hormonal conditions. These can be studied using ultrasound as well, to check for the presence of other issues.

Absent periods

Your periods may be absent, which can be due to high levels of prolactin. This should be checked if you aren't pregnant, as there may be issues with PRL production. You may also experience irritability, mood swings, etc.

Milk discharge from breasts

Higher levels of prolactin can lead to a milk discharge from the breasts of the women who may not be pregnant. This can be one of the main signs of the condition, which is why testing and managing the levels is important.

Infertility

Infertility can be a key issue when there are high levels of prolactin in the body. Your chances of conception can diminish based on the levels of prolactin that are present.

Hot flashes

In some cases women can get the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, which is why testing is required. You can get your PRL levels checked to understand whether this may be the reason.

Dryness

You may also experience vaginal dryness, which can lead to further issues related to it. You can experience itching, irritation, redness, etc.

Weakness

Higher levels of prolactin in women for longer periods can lead to weakness in some cases. This may not be related to any other condition, which can be checked with a complete body test.

Joint pain

In some cases, joint pain may be present, which can lead to a risk of osteoporosis in some women. Hormonal dysregulation can be a critical reason why older women can also experience brittle bones or a weakened immune system. 

Here's what you can do to improve your prolactin levels

The preliminary approach to treating high prolactin levels is the get tested. Your baseline levels will help in determining the right pathway forward. It is important to also focus on diet (vitamins B and E), lifestyle, stress management, and other important factors to treat higher levels of prolactin in the body.

Additionally, imaging tests will be able to determine whether there may be any injury of the anterior pituitary gland, which can lead to changes in PRL production. An injury of the pituitary gland can cause changes in the production of prolactin in some cases.

By the levels detected in the PRL test, your doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate medication. You can take prolactin inhibitors, which can help lower the levels of prolactin in the body, allowing for a normal balance of the hormone. 

* * Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).