What are normal prolactin levels when breastfeeding?

Normal prolactin levels during breastfeeding range from 15 ng/mL to 60 ng/mL. Prolactin levels increase significantly after delivery, peak at around 2-3 months after birth, then gradually decrease over time.

Why is Prolactin important for fertility?

Prolactin is crucial for fertility as it regulates other hormones necessary for ovulation and prepares the uterus for pregnancy. High prolactin levels can lead to anovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, decreased libido, & decreased estrogen levels, all of which negatively impact fertility.

What causes low prolactin while breastfeeding?

Low prolactin levels while breastfeeding can be caused by various factors such as stress, insufficient lactation stimulation, use of certain medications (such as dopamine agonists), and thyroid disorders. Infrequent or inefficient breastfeeding can also lead to decreased prolactin production.

What is a good prolactin level for fertility?

Normal prolactin levels for fertility in non-pregnant, non-lactating women are typically between 3-20 ng/mL. However, the optimal prolactin level for fertility can vary from person to person & various factors, including age, reproductive health, and overall health, can affect its levels.

How to increase prolactin levels while breastfeeding?

You can increase your prolactin levels by increasing breastfeeding frequency and duration, avoiding stress and ensuring adequate sleep and relaxation, avoiding medications (like dopamine agonists) that interfere with the production of prolactin, and consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals.

What hours are prolactin highest?

Prolactin levels are typically highest at night and in the early morning hours and lowest in the mid-day and early afternoon. The hypothalamus regulates this circadian rhythm of prolactin secretion and is essential for proper lactation and milk production.

What triggers high prolactin?

High prolactin (also called Hyperprolactinaemia) can trigger due to - pituitary gland tumors (prolactinomas), due to medications like antipsychotics and antidepressants, Hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, chronic stress and anxiety, and infrequent or insufficient lactation stimulation.

Relationship Between Prolactin and Breastfeeding

Lactation, or the process of producing and releasing milk from the mammary glands, is an essential aspect of a new mother's life. Breastfeeding is a natural process that provides numerous benefits to both mother and baby. It helps in building a strong bond between the mother and baby and provides essential nutrients for the baby's growth and development.

This entire process is controlled by several hormones, one of which is prolactin. Prolactin, also known as the lactation hormone, plays a vital role in the production and maintenance of breast milk in nursing mothers.

In this blog, we will discuss the prolactin hormone function and its role in lactation, the causes of decreased and increased levels, and the condition of Hyperprolactinaemia and its impact on fertility.

The Importance of Prolactin to Women Nursing Babies

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. It is essential for lactation, as it stimulates the production of milk in the mammary glands. Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy, preparing the body for lactation post-delivery. Once a woman gives birth, the stimulation of the nipples during breastfeeding further increases prolactin levels, leading to an increase in milk production.

Prolactin levels and their impact on breastfeeding frequency and milk supply

Prolactin is responsible for ensuring that the mammary glands have an adequate supply of milk. It helps increase the size and number of milk-producing cells and enhances milk production. Prolactin levels increase when a baby is breastfeeding, leading to the release of more milk to meet the baby's demands. It also helps maintain a steady supply of milk, ensuring that the baby is well-nourished and hydrated.

Prolactin Levels : An Insight

The normal range for prolactin hormone in men and women is:

Males: 2 to 18 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)

The normal prolactin levels in females vary, and all of the possible scenarios have been listed in the table below:

Typical baseline serum prolactin levels in women
Not pregnant, not lactating	< 25 ng/mL
Pregnant, at term	200 ng/mL
Lactating, 7 days postpartum	100 ng/mL
Lactating, 3 months postpartum	100 ng/mL
Lactating, menstruation not started before 180 days	110 ng/mL
Lactating, menstruation started before 180 days	70 ng/mL
Lactating, 6 months postpartum	50 ng/mL

You can always get a prolactin test done to determine the level of prolactin in your blood.

Causes of Low Prolactin Levels During Breastfeeding

While prolactin is essential for lactation, there are several factors that can lead to decreased levels of this hormone. Some of the causes of decreased prolactin levels include:

Stress: High levels of stress can lead to decreased prolactin levels, leading to a reduction in milk supply.
Illness: Certain illnesses, such as a fever, can temporarily lower prolactin levels and affect lactation.
Smoking: Smoking has been shown to decrease prolactin levels, leading to reduced milk production.
Certain medications: Some medications, such as birth control pills and anti-anxiety drugs, can suppress prolactin levels.
Infrequent breastfeeding: Infrequent breastfeeding can also lead to decreased prolactin levels and a reduction in milk supply.
Alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine can interfere with the production of prolactin, leading to decreased milk production.

Inverted Nipple: What It Is and When Should You Be Worried

Causes of High prolactin levels During Breastfeeding

On the other hand, there are several factors that can lead to increased prolactin levels, including:

Ways to Increase Prolactin Levels during Lactation

As discussed, prolactin plays a crucial role in lactation, and in some cases, mothers may need to increase their prolactin levels to ensure a steady supply of breast milk. Here are some ways to increase prolactin levels:

Hyperprolactinaemia - Excess of Prolactin and Fertility

Hyperprolactinaemia refers to a condition where there are elevated levels of prolactin in the blood. So, when we talk about high prolactin levels symptoms or Hyperprolactinaemia symptoms, as medical experts call it, the list includes the following:

Causes of Hyperprolactinaemia

Diagnosing Hyperprolactinaemia

For successful Hyperprolactinaemia diagnosis, medical experts perform a PRL test (a simple blood tests) to measure the prolactin levels in the bloodstream. The doctor may also perform additional tests, such as an MRI, to rule out the presence of a pituitary tumor.

Treating Hyperprolactinaemia and Fertility

The treatment of Hyperprolactinaemia depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If a pituitary tumor is responsible for elevated prolactin levels, the first step is to remove the tumor. Surgery may not be necessary in some cases, and medication may be used to shrink the tumor.

For women experiencing infertility due to Hyperprolactinaemia, medical experts can prefer to use medications to lower prolactin levels and restore fertility. The most common medications used to treat Hyperprolactinaemia are dopamine agonists, which block the secretion of prolactin. These medications can restore normal prolactin levels, leading to an improvement in fertility and overall health.

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