In This Article:
High Prolactin: Hyperprolactinemia
Causes of High Prolactin
High Prolactin Treatment
Hyperprolactinemia is a fairly common problem, found in up to one-third of all infertility patients who do not menstruate. There are several known causes of excessive prolactin. Surgical scars on the chest wall or other chest wall irritations like shingles can trigger a rise in levels. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, some medications, like tranquilizers, high blood pressure medications and anti-nausea drugs can all lead to such problems. Oral contraceptives and recreational drugs like marijuana may result in mild cases. Some women with PCOS also have hyperprolactinemia.
The most common cause of hyperprolactinemia is hypothyroidism, in which an inadequate amount of the thyroid hormone is produced. Treating the hypothyroidism with thyroid hormone can correct prolactin levels. In rare cases, there are other problems, such as chronic kidney failure or tumors of the pituitary gland may also by the culprit. They can usually be identified with an MRI. However, in about 30 percent of the cases, the root cause is unexplained.
