Pregnancy is an unforgettable experience involving several visible and invisible changes. Prolactin is an important hormone that works behind the scenes to help during pregnancy. Although prolactin is commonly connected with milk production, it does much more than that! Let's look at how this hormone affects pregnancy, what happens when its levels get too high and why testing it may be necessary.
Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by a small but powerful gland, the pituitary, in the posterior part of the brain. It plays a role in mammary development, immunity and reproductive physiology. Although prolactin has already been found in at least some organisms, the physiological role of prolactin starts during pregnancy and gradually expands to the prolactin pool in preparation for infants.
Apart from pregnancy, prolactin is involved in more than 300 physiological processes, encompassing metabolism, immune system regulation and behavioural regulation. Nevertheless, its best-known function is in the reproductive system.
Prolactin levels are maintained at low levels in non-pregnant women but are significantly elevated during pregnancy. This increase has a crucial role in pregnancy as it helps the body adjust to the physiological demands. It also supports the dietary and metabolic changes essential for a healthy pregnancy.
The moment pregnancy begins, prolactin levels start climbing. The increasing prolactin levels ensure that the new mom has enough milk to start feeding her newborn. At delivery, prolactin levels are high enough for lactation.
Though not commonly recognised, prolactin works in the background to support the health of the mother and child. Apart from lactation, prolactin plays a role in maintaining and balancing other hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone.
Factors like stress, sleep and diet influence prolactin. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, along with overall physical and mental well-being.
High prolactin levels during pregnancy are normal in most cases. However, in some patients, prolactin levels can rise excessively, leading to specific symptoms and changes. Headaches, visual loss and even anovulatory symptoms have been reported in women suffering from high prolactin levels.
The usual reason for an elevation of prolactin is hyperprolactinemia, that is, the body's production of greater than normal prolactin. This may be due to drugs, stress or even microscopic pituitary adenoma (benign) tumours. During routine checkups, doctors will monitor and may even adjust the treatment to avoid complications during pregnancy.
Hyperprolactinemia during pregnancy usually has no symptoms. However, if any unusual signs appear, your healthcare provider must be notified. They may recommend additional tests or treatments if necessary.
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition of excess prolactin, i.e., a prolactin level higher than normal. If this condition exists before egg conception, it can reduce the chances of pregnancy by preventing ovulation. However, prolactin levels increase gradually over time during pregnancy, and there is usually no reason to worry unless you experience any abnormal symptoms. In most cases, hyperprolactinemia in pregnancy is not a cause of much concern, and prolactin values are, in general, sufficient even when hormonal values are changing.
It should be noted that certain medications can also contribute to hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia has been associated with the intake of antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, and a few herbs like fennel, fenugreek, etc. If you’re taking any such medications, your doctor might adjust the prescription or dosage during pregnancy to ensure your hormone levels remain balanced.
During pregnancy, your doctor may request a prolactin study when prolactin levels seem abnormally high or abnormally low. This is a simple blood test to measure the level of prolactin in the body.
A prolactin test during pregnancy may be recommended if:
● There are unexplained headaches or vision problems.
● There were fertility challenges before pregnancy.
● There’s a history of pituitary gland disorders.
Prolactin is not routinely tested during pregnancy but may be checked when necessary. Doctors recommend testing mainly to assess hormonal balance and rule out underlying conditions.
The test is relatively short and usually requires no advance preparation. Since the prolactin level can fluctuate throughout the day, it will be measured as the average value of a day, i.e., in the morning, when the patient is in a more stable state.
Once elevated prolactin levels during pregnancy have been confirmed, the following measures may be recommended to bring it down to acceptable levels:
● Modification of dosage or prescription of medications that have been known to cause elevated prolactin levels.
● Adoption of stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, etc.
● Adherence to a balanced pregnancy diet, with the exclusion of food items that may contribute towards increased prolactin levels.
Prolactin has a significant role in pregnancy and breastfeeding. It helps prepare the mammary glands for lactation and stimulates milk production after childbirth. However, sometimes prolactin levels can become imbalanced, leading to concerns or complications. Understanding the normal range and potential issues related to prolactin is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Prolactin function can be managed under the guidance of doctors, which will help to reduce anxiety about abnormal levels.
So, be sure to have open and detailed discussions with your healthcare provider about any concerns that you may have regarding prolactin levels, breastfeeding or your overall health during and after pregnancy.
