High prolactin and conception

 

Prolactin (prl) is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, a small-sized gland at the base of the brain.

 

Prolactin acts on three main areas in women:

1. It causes galactorrhea

2. It reduces fertility as it inhibits the action of the two responsible hormones for egg maturation and ovulation induction (FSH and GnRH)

3. It reduces libido

High concentrations of prolactin suppress ovulation (hence women who breastfeed have high concentrations of prolactin and usually do not become pregnant). Also, suppression of follicular maturation very often gives the image of polycystic ovaries in ultrasound examination. Normal value of prolactin in blood (in non-pregnant women) is 3.8-23.2 ng / mL. During pregnancy, prolactin levels are elevated, reaching 200-300 ng / ml in the third trimester.

 

High levels of prolactin can be reduced by appropriate medical treatment and ovulation can be restored.

Prolactin

 

Sources:

Source 1

Source 2

Source 3

 

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