Prolactin is ahormoneproduced by the pituitary gland, which is located near the bottom of the brain.
Its production is controlled by other hormones called prolactin-inhibiting factors, which includedopamine, according to theCleveland Clinic.
Both men and women tend to have small amounts of prolactin in their blood.
In men, prolactin encourages the production of sperm,notes StatPearls.
In women, prolactin helps regulate the menstrual cycle and causes breasts to grow and develop.
When a woman is pregnant, her levels of prolactin go up.
Once the baby is born, elevated prolactin levels cause the production of milk for breastfeeding.
What Is Hyperprolactinemia?
If women or men have too much prolactin in their blood, they may have a condition called hyperprolactinemia.
High levels of prolactin can interfere with the normal production of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone.
Women with hyperprolactinemia can still take birth control pills to avoid pregnancy or to regulate their menstrual cycle.
The most commonly used medicines are cabergoline (Dostinex) and bromocriptine (Parlodel), notes the ASRM.
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Cassata completed the editing certificate program at the University of Chicago.
