Hyperprolactinaemia: Beyond Breastfeeding

Hyperprolactinaemia is a condition whereby there are higher than usual levels of prolactin, the hormone that is produced during breastfeeding to promote milk flow.

Unusual levels of prolactin can indicate health problems that go beyond breastfeeding, including brain tumours.

Normal prolactin levels are 60-480 mU/L, but in hyperprolactinaemia, levels can hit over 500 mU/L and go up into the thousands.

Symptoms associated with hyperprolactinaemia

Periods stop (secondary amenorrhoea)
Periods are infrequent or irregular
Breast milk production/lactation occurs outside of normal circumstances
Low oestrogen levels causing dry, irritated vagina, resulting in painful sex, loss of libido and changes to mood
Lack of ovulation, resulting in infertility
Osteoporosis, despite sometimes normal oestrogen levels
Delayed puberty in children/adolescents
If caused by a pituitary tumour, headaches, sinus issues, visual interference, and other symptoms associated with the brain and head

How prolactin secretion works

Prolactin production is in the pituitary gland in the brain, by special cells called lactotroph cells. Prolactin receptors are found in many areas of the body, with receptors in women found in the breast, liver, kidney (renal tubules), adrenal cortex, lungs, ovaries, lymph cells, heart and brain.

Prolactin has many more effects on the body than just promoting milk production (galactogogue effects), however milk production is its main purpose.

During pregnancy, oestrogen increases stimulate an increase in lactotroph cells. After birth, the loss of oestrogen and progesterone allows these cells to kick into gear, and within three or four days, milk production begins.

Ovulation is usually prevented during the first few months after birth while breastfeeding because follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) are suppressed directly by prolactin. This means no periods.

Prolactin secretion may be stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and oestrogen, so if a woman is suspected of having high prolactin, a thyroid test is important to rule out hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism causes TRH to be elevated, causing excess prolactin secretion and hyperprolactinaemia. Dopamine is a prolactin inhibitor.

Causes of temporary hyperprolactinaemia

Pregnancy – increase in lactotroph cells
Nipple stimulation – including in non-breastfeeding women
Stress
Excessive/intense exercise
Eating
Dehydration
Sex and orgasm
Prolactinoma
Molar pregnancy
Some drugs

Prolactinoma tumours

The most common cause of hyperprolactinaemia is a prolactinoma, a benign tumour on the pituitary gland in the brain that secretes prolactin. This type of pituitary gland tumour is a common cause of a loss of periods and reproductive dysfunction.

Typical symptoms that go along with a prolactinoma include headaches, visual disturbances, sinus issues, and pituitary dysfunction. Prolactinomas are enhanced by oestrogen and inhibited by dopamine.

A genetic predisposition may contribute to the development of prolactinomas, as there are familial links.

Drugs that can contribute to hyperprolactinaemia

Dopamine receptor antagonists (many tranquilisers, antipsychotics)
MAO inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants
Calcium-channel blocker (Verapamil)
Anti-ulcer drugs (Pepcidine, Tagamet, Tazac, Zantac)
High blood pressure drugs (Aldactone, Aldomet)
High dose oestrogen oral contraceptive pills
Opiates, cocaine, alcohol, in particular beer

Perimenopause and menopause – extra issues

There are some extra risks associated with hyperprolactinaemia in women who are menopausal or nearing menopause due to the vasoconstrictive effect of prolactin. Prolactin may play a role in blood pressure and cardiovascular health.