Prolactin in men is present in the body, despite the fact that it is a female hormone. In the weak half of humanity, he is responsible for lactation. For men, it is also important because it has a variety of functions. In case of failures in its production, a violation of significant processes occurring in the body occurs.
Hormone concept
Prolactin, or in another way, luteoropin, as well as mammotropin, refers to steroid hormones responsible for reproductive functions. Its synthesis is mainly carried out in the pituitary gland. Also, in much smaller quantities, it is formed in the skin, liver, and adrenal glands.
Prolactin in men is mainly intended for regulating sexual function, secreting sperm and sex hormones. He also takes part in immune reactions.
The hormone content in the body is unstable and is in constant fluctuation. However, both high and low prolactin in men lead to serious disorders that cause various pathologies.
Luteoropin Functions
Prolactin in a man is involved in the following processes:
- weight regulation;
- control of the water-salt balance of the body;
- reduction in pain symptoms;
- activation of the growth of blood vessels;
- participates in the functioning of lymphocytes;
- stimulates orgasm, erection and libido;
- contributes to the development of secondary sexual characteristics;
- has an effect on the level of the main male hormone - testosterone;
- promotes motility of germ cells;
- responsible for the regulation of spermatogenic testicular function.
It affects the reproductive health of the stronger sex by interacting with testosterone and estrogens. The more they contain, the more prolactin, which will inhibit the synthesis of testosterone.
Norm prolactin in men
As noted earlier, its concentration fluctuates sharply during the day. The highest values are observed during “fast” sleep and in the early morning, during the day they decrease, reaching their minimum by evening.
Its content is considered normal from 2.5 to 17 ng / ml.
Its secretion is regulated by thyroliberin, estrogen and dopamine.
However, other factors also influence its dynamics:
- bad habits;
- pain syndrome;
- overheating and hypothermia;
- intake of protein foods;
- sexual contact;
- exercise stress;
- stress.
Therefore, before passing the analysis, all these factors should be excluded at least one day in advance. Blood sampling is done 3 hours after waking up on an empty stomach.
Thus, if prolactin is elevated in a man, the reasons may be different. These causes can increase prolactin levels by 10-15%. If more significant changes are observed, then it is necessary to be examined for the presence of pathology.
Symptoms of elevated prolactin in men
These include:
- developed mammary glands in the stronger sex;
- hairline development according to the female type;
- the appearance of a rash on the skin;
- female type obesity - in the area of the mammary glands, abdomen and thighs;
- decreased libido and sexual function;
- infertility;
- drawing pains in the region of the heart with indefinite localization;
- headaches for a long time.
The higher the concentration of this hormone in the body of a man, the less mobile are his sperm.
Symptoms can occur both individually and in different complex groups.
Hyperprolactinemia
This disease is noted with pathologically increased prolactin in men. It can arise as a result of the following reasons:
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- lupus erythematosus;
- toxic goiter;
- chest injuries;
- diseases of the genitourinary system;
- chronic deficiency of vitamin B 6 , which is an antagonist of prolactin;
- hyperthyroidism;
- renal failure;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- neoplasms arising in the brain;
- injuries and tumors of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland;
- pituitary leg transection syndrome;
- tumors of the hypothalamus;
- malformations of arteries and veins;
- tuberculous lesions of the hypothalamus.
The production of this hormone is also stimulated by some drugs and drugs:
- opiates;
- cocaine;
- dopamine blockers;
- remedies for hypertension;
- antidepressants;
- antipsychotics;
- antiparkinson and antiemetic drugs.
Consequences of Elevated Prolactin Levels
Hyperprolactinemia leads to the appearance of negative trends in the following areas:
- Nervous
- metabolic;
- reproductive.
The latter are due to the fact that high prolactin suppresses testosterone and prevents its conversion to the active form - dihydrotestosterone. This contributes to the decrease in testicular function in boys and youths, which leads to underdevelopment of the genitals and a delay in puberty.
Prolactin in men (symptoms of pathology are very unpleasant), which is in excess, in relation to sexual function causes such problems:
- milk-like fluid is secreted from the nipples;
- the mammary glands enlarge;
- erectile dysfunction and erectile dysfunction may be observed;
- poor sperm quality;
- infertility;
- decreased libido.
In relation to metabolic processes, a high level of prolactin causes:
- diabetes;
- osteoporosis;
- dermatitis;
- obesity.
The impact on the nervous system is as follows:
- vitality decreases;
- fatigue occurs;
- apathy comes;
- frequent mood swings;
- there is a constant feeling of anxiety;
- depressive state;
- memory impaired;
- irritability appears;
- sleep disturbance.
In especially severe cases, psychoses may appear.
With an increased hormone content, the ratio of substances responsible for the transfer of cholesterol in the blood is violated, which leads to hypertension, cardiac ischemia, atherosclerosis. When calcium is washed out, stones in the bladder and kidneys can be deposited.
Sometimes the disease proceeds in a latent form, without causing any complaints from the man.
Diagnostics
It is carried out by an andrologist or endocrinologist. After increased prolactin in men is established in a blood test, it is necessary to establish the etiology of this, for which you need to undergo the following examinations:
- the level of basic hormones to assess the general condition of the endocrine system;
- a biochemical blood test to detect abnormalities in the pancreas, kidneys and liver;
- MRI or CT scan of the pituitary gland, during which a benign or malignant tumor can be detected.
Sometimes the etiology of an elevated level of this hormone cannot be established. In this case, the diagnosis is idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. It is caused by an increase in the function of the pituitary cells without the observed growth of the latter.
A single blood test can not indicate the presence of a disease. It must be confirmed at least twice more.
Ways to lower hormone levels
Normalization of the content should be carried out by treatment of the disease, which led to high prolactin in men.
The most common cause is a benign tumor of the anterior pituitary gland. If the disease is in an embryonic state, then it is treated with dopamine antagonists (dopaminomimetics):
- Abergin
- "Bromocriptine";
- Cabergoline.
If therapeutic treatment does not give the expected effect, and the tumor grows, it is removed through the sinuses. If this is also not possible, then radiation therapy is performed.
Due to the increased concentration of the hormone due to cirrhosis, diuretics, hepatoprotectors, and a diet in which fried, fatty foods and alcohol are excluded are used.
With renal failure, the following activities are carried out:
- diet;
- adjustment of the water-salt balance;
- kidney transplantation;
- hemodialysis.
Hypotheriosis is treated with sodium levothyroxine. With a basic disease, thyreostatics or radioactive iodine are used, or an operation to remove part of the goiter is used.
When rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed:
- plasmapheresis;
- corticosteroids;
- anti-inflammatory drugs.
Lupus is treated with glucocorticoids.
To minimize negative aspects, use:
- diet and little physical activity to bring weight back to normal;
- Vitamin D and calcium to reduce bone fragility
- drugs containing testosterone, which normalize sexual function.
Everywhere in treatment, Parlodel is used in doses of 3-7 mg. With the possible normalization of elevated levels of prolactin in men using lighter drugs, they are used.
Drug treatment should be accompanied by periodic monitoring of prolactin levels and an MRI or CT scan of the pituitary gland every six months.
Sometimes the pituitary gland is affected by surgery, but the effect of it is not always observed.
Folk remedies, as a rule, are not used, since they do not have a sufficiently effective effect on the hormonal background. But with constant stress as the reason for the high level of prolactin in men, you can take infusions and decoctions of herbs that have a sedative effect (valerian, mint, lemon balm).
Prevention
To prevent serious pathologies, you need to normalize the regime of the day, abandon bad habits and take vitamin B 6 .
The main methods of prevention are as follows:
- reduced time spent in the sun, since ultraviolet light stimulates the pituitary gland;
- rejection of bad habits;
- stress reduction;
- a balanced diet with enough vitamin B 6 .
Finally
Prolactin in men is present in the body, despite the fact that it refers to female hormones, and helps to reduce the reproductive function of men or their infertility and erectile dysfunction. An increase in its level can occur for various reasons, which requires the use of different methods of treatment. They are mainly therapeutic, but if they do not bring the expected result, surgical intervention is used. Men need to limit their exposure to the sun, reduce or completely abandon bad habits. In this case, the diet should be balanced and enriched with vitamin B 6 .