High Prolactin Levels or hyperprolactinemia the Source of the Problem?

General Discussion
#1

I went today for my second blood test and now wait for the results. The Endo dr is testing for High Prolactin level in the Putuitrary gland. I researched what high levels of Prolactin can do to men.

It interferes with the function of the testes. Since the Pituitary gland is located in the brain, it explains some of the sexual communication issues we are experiencing as well.

Look at the symptoms of high protactin in men. Many of these symptoms fit what we are experiencing. Also this explains the eye problems. I read in another study that estrogen levels can effect Prolactin. Pregnant woman often have very high levels of Prolactin which is used to produce milk for the baby. Could this explain the increase in breast size of some men?

Men — When a high blood prolactin concentration interferes with the function of the testes, the production of testosterone (the main male sex hormone) and sperm decreases. Low testosterone causes decreased energy, sex drive, muscle mass and strength, and blood count. If levels remain low for several years, bone strength may become decreased (osteoporosis). High blood prolactin also causes difficulty in getting an erection, as well as breast tenderness and enlargement.

Symptoms caused by compression of surrounding tissue — Large adenomas can cause symptoms by pressing on nearby structures in the head. Pressure on nerves to the eyes can impair vision, especially peripheral (side) vision. Pressure on the pituitary gland can decrease production of the hormones that stimulate the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, leading to underactivity of the thyroid and adrenal glands. Pressure can also cause headaches.

uptodate.com/patients/conten … ocrin/8753

ngha.med.sa/English/Patients … actin.aspx

My question is how does the prolactin level get raised to begin with? Is it that our estogen levels become raised or is it simply the reduction in T. If we can get our T levels back to normal does the prolactin problem work itself out?

hyperprolactinemia which is the medical term for High Prolactin in men, which induces hypogonadism, the excess prolactin interferes with secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, resulting in decreased testosterone and erectile dysfunction.

Follow the link at the bottom of this page and read the area that says main points. It explains what I listed above that with this condition ulitmately the high level of prolactin causes the hypogonadism.

pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articl … id=1476085

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#2

Also,

take a look at this link. This article discusses how high prolactin effects males to become infertile. It also discusses other problems that men have had that I didn’t addresss in the last post.

sexual dysfunction
loss of sex drive
decrease in body hair
fatigue
depression
headaches or vision loss (as the tumor presses against the optic nerve in your brain)

I don’t want to scare anyone or even myself, but has anyone gone for an MRI for the presence of tumor.

#3

Some guys here have mildly elevated prolactin levels after coming off the drug, self included. One member has successfully reversed many of his sexual problems with dopamine agonist treatment (lowers prolactin):

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1702
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1757

Here is some info on treatment levels before/after dopamine treatment:
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1022

A few here have gone for MRIs and turned up nothing, so this has nothing to do with a prolactinoma in the pituitary (whereby prolactin levels are usually in the 100s or 1000s). You mention eye problems, but that’s usually a result of the tumour growing and is oftentimes how they begin investigating and find a prolactinoma, when someone complains about vision problems.

As for why prolactin gets elevated in the first place on the drug, likely a combination of elevated Estrogens and possibly TSH, since hypothyroidism (condition which a number of guys have ended up with while on/post-Fin) can influence prolactin levels.

propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1093

In short, while prolactin likely plays a role in our syndrome for some men, it’s probably and likely not the only piece of the puzzle.

#4

Thanks Mew,

I think I agree that most likely the Prolactin may only be part of the problem for many of us, but it is an important component that we really need to look at. The evidence definitely points to the putitary gland playing a role in this.

I will be getting my 2nd blood test back on Sept 19th and will share those results when I get them. I am anticipating high Prolactin. I could not get this dr to run a test for GH.