Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located in the brain. Levels of prolactin are normally increased in pregnant or breast-feeding women. The few symptoms of high prolactin levels in females are listed below.
Infertility
Increased prolactin levels can cause problems with fertility. Infertility is the inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected intercourse.
Galactorrhea
Galactorrhea is milk production in a woman who is not pregnant and not breast-feeding.
Menstrual Periods
Menstrual periods can be absent or irregular due to high prolactin levels.
Testing
Lab work is obtained by drawing blood from a vein in your arm. The normal prolactin level in a non-pregnant woman is below 25 ng/mL or 25 mcg/L.
Causes
Some causes of high prolactin levels are a pituitary gland tumor, pregnancy, kidney disease, hypothyroidism or liver disease. The cause can also be unknown.
Warning
The information in this article is for education purposes only and is not intended to diagnose. If you suspect you have symptoms of high prolactin levels, please contact your physician for further advice and treatment.
Tags: high prolactin levels, prolactin levels, high prolactin, pituitary gland, pregnant breast-feeding
