Question 1

Which medicines can affect the levels of Prolactin hormone?

Accepted Answer

Certain drugs can cause a low level of Prolactin such as Dopamine (used in conditions like shock), Levodopa (used for Parkinson’s disease), or Ergot alkaloid derivatives (used for severe headaches). However, certain drugs can cause elevated levels of Prolactin such as CNS depressants, Estrogen, drugs used for the treatment of hypertension (e.g., Reserpine, Verapamil, Methyldopa), and drugs used for treating gastroesophageal reflux like cimetidine.

Question 2

Are there any other conditions which can alter the levels of Prolactin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are other conditions in which high levels of prolactin can be seen, for eg., lung cancer, seizures, trauma to the chest wall, stress due to illness and use of Marijuana.

Question 3

The test results showed high prolactin levels. Do I require any other tests?

Accepted Answer

When the prolactin levels are high, the doctor may advise you to get Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) test, Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to assess fertility problems. The testosterone test is advised in males when the prolactin level is found high. The doctor may also advise for MRI scan for the diagnosis of prolactinoma.

Question 4

I got my Prolactin levels tested. Now, my doctor has advised me thyroid test. Why is it so?

Accepted Answer

In many patients, high levels of Prolactin are seen along with low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), so you may be asked to get your thyroid tests done. However, high levels of Prolactin does not cause low levels of thyroid hormones.

Question 5

What is prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

Prolactinomas are tumors which are usually benign (non-cancerous) of the pituitary gland in which there is production of high amounts of prolactin. These are more common in women as compared to men. Prolactinomas may cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, and bone loss in women. However, in men it can cause erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), decreased muscle mass, and bone loss. If the size of the tumor is quite large, it can cause pressure symptoms like headache and problems of the vision.

Question 6

Are there any foods which can decrease the levels of prolactin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foods rich in vitamin B6 like bananas, potatoes, chicken or spinach, foods rich in zinc (e.g., beef, turkey, beans, shellfish) and zinc supplements can decrease the prolactin levels.

Question 7

Are there any foods which can increase the levels of prolactin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, foods such as barley (jau), fennel (saunf) and fenugreek (methi) seeds, oats, whole wheat, brown rice, and papaya can increase the levels of prolactin. These foods are considered to be helpful in milk production in new mothers.

Question 8

Is there any risk associated with this test?

Accepted Answer

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

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