Attention should be paid to the symptoms of high prolactin in men, as many believe that prolactin is limited to women only, and this is a misconception. This hormone can also increase in men, leading to many health problems. This hormone is known as prolactin, and is secreted from the anterior part of the pituitary gland, and can also be produced in fatty tissues and immune cells. In this article, through the Dalili Medical website, we will learn about the normal level of this hormone in a man's body, in addition to the symptoms that indicate its increased secretion, which helps in taking the necessary measures to treat it.

**What are the normal levels of prolactin?**

 

The normal levels of prolactin vary according to gender and pregnancy status, and are determined by examining the prolactin hormone. For men, the normal level is less than 15 nanograms / milliliter.

**How ​​can high prolactin be treated at home?**

 

You can boil sage herb daily, as it is effective in regulating estrogen. It is recommended to drink two cups of it daily with a cup of marjoram twice a day to get satisfactory results.

**How ​​to reduce prolactin naturally?**

 

If you want to reduce prolactin naturally, it is preferable to stop strenuous activities and reduce stress levels. It is also recommended to change your diet and take vitamins E and B6.

**Is breast swelling a sign of high prolactin?**

 

Prolactin or prolactin is secreted from the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, and is responsible for breast growth in women and milk production after childbirth. Prolactin is present in small proportions in human blood, and its level is controlled by other hormones known as prolactin-inhibiting factors such as dopamine. The presence of this hormone at its normal level helps regulate the menstrual cycle in non-pregnant women and sperm production in men.

**Functions of prolactin in men**

 

Prolactin plays an important role in the body of men, as it contributes to:

- Enhancing the immune system's response, which helps fight infection and maintain general health.

- Regulating the levels of other sex hormones such as testosterone, which affects sexual and reproductive health.

- Regulating sperm production and maturation.

- Maintaining the balance between different hormones in the body, which helps regulate many bodily functions.

- Regulating mood and behavior, as disturbances in its levels can lead to problems such as depression and anxiety.

- Regulating energy metabolism, including the balance between fats and proteins.

- Affecting the growth and development of tissues, including muscle and bone tissue.

High levels of prolactin can lead to milk secretion from the breasts, which is known as gynecomastia.

**Does high prolactin in men cause infertility?**

 

Yes, high prolactin is one of the causes that lead to about 11% of infertility cases in men. This occurs as a result of a series of negative reactions in the body, which we will explain below:

Excessive production of prolactin in the body of men leads to inhibition of the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

This inhibition reduces the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone.

As a result, sperm formation is affected, leading to poor motility and poor quality.

The effect of these changes on sperm can lead to infertility.

**Symptoms of high prolactin in men**

 

- Sudden loss of sexual desire.

- Weak sexual ability.

- Low sexual desire.

- The appearance of gynecomastia, where the breast size increases significantly.

- Infertility, especially if high prolactin levels are not treated.

- Low energy and activity.

- Exposure to anemia.

- Osteoporosis due to low testosterone.

- Sudden changes in vision.

- Nipple discharge.

- Lack of body hair.

- Erectile dysfunction, and sometimes no erection.

- Severe pain when touching the breasts.

**Symptoms that require a visit to the doctor**

 

Some symptoms that require a visit to the doctor in case of high prolactin include:

- A significant increase in breast size.

- Weak sexual ability.

- Difficulty in erection.

- Abnormal discharge from the nipple.

**Low prolactin in men**

 

Low prolactin in men is relatively rare, and may not have as significant effects on health as high prolactin. However, it may indicate some medical conditions or hormonal disorders, such as:

- Pituitary insufficiency that leads to decreased production of prolactin.

- Some medications such as dopamine and Parkinson's medications that reduce prolactin levels.

- Hormonal disorders such as Cushing's syndrome.

- Liver or kidney problems.

**Duration of treatment for high prolactin in men**

 

The duration of treatment varies depending on the degree of high prolactin. According to what doctors determine, the duration of treatment depends on the type of treatment used. In the case of removing benign tumors that caused high prolactin, the patient is monitored for two years. If the hormone levels stabilize at normal rates, the treatment is stopped. However, if the hormone continues to rise, the patient is advised to take additional doses to reduce its levels. It is worth noting that the normal level of prolactin in men is less than 15 ng/ml.

**Problems of high prolactin in men**

 

High prolactin is known as hyperprolactinemia, and results in:

- Galactorrhea: milk coming out of the man's breast.

- Impotence: inability to get an erection.

- Low sexual desire: not accepting the idea of ​​​​intercourse for long periods.

- Infertility: as a result of producing a small number of spermFor sperm or lack of production.

- Lack of body and facial hair: This is a symptom that needs to be evaluated.

- Other problems: such as unexplained headaches and visual disturbances.

**Causes of high prolactin in men**

 

Causes include the following:

1. **Prolactinoma**

Prolactinoma is the most common pituitary tumor, accounting for about 40% of cases compared to other types of tumors, and it is more common in women. This tumor is non-cancerous, but the reason behind its appearance is still unknown. The tumor can be treated either with medication or through surgery to remove it, and it should not be left untreated because it may be one of the causes of infertility in men and women.

2. **Taking certain medications**

Any medication that affects the production of dopamine may also affect the level of prolactin, and this is often explained in the information leaflet attached to the medication. The most prominent medications that affect dopamine are medications for treating mental disorders, medications for treating high blood pressure, and some pain relievers.

3. **Hypothyroidism**

This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not secrete sufficient amounts of hormones into the blood, leading to a range of health changes in the body.

4. **Other causes of high prolactin in men**

Other causes include:

- Eating certain herbs such as fennel seeds, red clover, and fenugreek.

- Irritation of the chest wall, which may occur as a result of surgical scars, shingles, or wearing belts that are too tight on the chest.

- Stress and excessive exercise, as intense exercise can lead to high levels of the hormone.

- Exposure to health problems such as kidney disease and liver failure.

**The function of prolactin in men**

 

Prolactin, which is known for its essential role in stimulating the secretion of milk from the breasts in women, also has important effects on reproductive and sexual health in men. Among its main functions, prolactin contributes to enhancing the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors in the Leydig cells located in the testicles.

When LH binds to its receptors, this leads to an increase in the secretion of testosterone, known as the male hormone, which plays a vital role in sperm formation and many other sexual functions in men.

In addition, prolactin can have other effects on men, including:

- Beneficial neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system, as it enhances the formation of neurons.

- Anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects.

- Enhancing feelings of fatherhood, which increases the desire to provide comfort to their children.

**Normal level of prolactin in men**

 

Prolactin levels in men are usually lower than in lactating women, as they should be less than 20 ng/ml. It is important to note that the normal values ​​for prolactin testing may vary slightly from one laboratory to another.

**How ​​to diagnose high prolactin in men**

 

The normal range of prolactin in the blood is:

- Pregnant females: 10 to 209 ng/ml.

High prolactin is diagnosed by performing a physical examination to look for any breast secretions or obvious physical causes, in addition to a blood test. It is preferable to perform the test three to four hours after waking up, as the hormone level changes throughout the day and is at its highest levels in the early morning.

If the results indicate high levels, the doctor may request a re-examination with measurement of other hormones produced by the pituitary gland to check the level of prolactin in the blood. If high levels persist after the second examination, the doctor may resort to performing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain to check for a pituitary tumor.

The doctor may also order an eye test to assess the field of vision if there is a suspicion that the prolactinoma is pressing on the optic nerves.

Don't forget to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking, as they can affect the level of the hormone in the blood, such as medications for treating depression and high blood pressure.

A blood test is used to measure the level of prolactin in diagnosing some medical conditions, such as:

- Prolactinoma or pituitary tumor.

- Determine the causes of irregular menstrual cycles or infertility in women.

- Know the causes of low libido or erectile dysfunction in men.

- Hypothyroidism.

- Hypothalamic disorders.

- Chronic liver diseases.

If prolactin levels are lower than normal, this may indicate pituitary insufficiency. Low levels usually do not require medical treatment, but some medications may lead to low prolactin levels, such as:

- Dopamine (Intropin), which is used to treat circulatory disorders (shock).

- Levodopa, which relieves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

- Ergot alkaloid derivatives, which are used to treat severe headaches.

Can prolactin be reduced without treatment?

 

Most cases of high prolactin levels do not require treatment, especially if the cause of the increase is not identified, which is known as idiopathic hyperprolactinemia. The hormone level usually returns to normal without treatment after several months. However, if the hormone level in the blood continues to be high, your doctor may prescribe appropriate medications.

There are some steps you can take to lower prolactin levels without the need for treatment, such as:

- Modifying your diet and maintaining low levels of stress and anxiety.

- Avoiding high-intensity exercises or activities that cause stress and fatigue.

- Avoiding clothes that cause discomfort in the areaChest pain or nipple stimulation.

- Take vitamin B6 and vitamin E supplements, as vitamin B6 helps produce dopamine naturally and reduces high prolactin levels, while vitamin E prevents high prolactin levels.

If the cause of the high hormone is a prolactinoma, your doctor may prescribe medications that help reduce the size of the tumor and the level of prolactin, such as:

- Dopamine agonists, which help the brain produce dopamine to control high prolactin levels, and can also shrink the tumor.

- Cabergoline, a newer treatment for prolactinoma and has fewer severe side effects compared to other medications.

Some patients with hyperprolactinemia may not respond well to medications, so your doctor may suggest radiation therapy to shrink the tumor and lower the hormone level, or surgery, which can be done through the nose or through the upper skull, with the use of medications to remove the tumor and restore prolactin levels to normal.

**Treatment of high prolactin in men**

 

It is necessary to know the methods of treating high prolactin to ensure the restoration of reproductive capacity in men. Treatment methods have been determined based on previous scientific reviews, as follows:

**1. Medications to treat high prolactin in men**

Medications such as Parlodel (bromocriptine) and Dostinex (cabergoline) are effective in reducing prolactin levels and reducing the size of tumors in the pituitary gland.

**2. Treatment of hypothyroidism**

If high prolactin is caused by hypothyroidism, the patient is treated with synthetic thyroid hormone, which helps reduce prolactin levels.

**3. Taking dopamine agonists**

Dopamine agonists are chemicals that are important for many physical and mental functions. Medications such as bromocriptine and cabergoline can be used to adjust dopamine levels in the body.

**4. Surgery and radiation therapy**

This type of treatment is resorted to if the high prolactin hormone is caused by a prolactinoma in the pituitary gland, or if dopamine agonists fail to treat the condition, or if the patient is unable to tolerate high doses of these medications.

**Treatment of high prolactin hormone in men with herbs**

 

Can medicinal herbs be used to treat high prolactin? Many men have begun searching for an answer to this question. Medical reports have confirmed that prolactin levels can be reduced using herbs in only one case, which is when the increase is slight and does not require medical intervention.

There are many herbs that can help reduce prolactin levels, the most prominent of which are:

**1. Maca roots**

Maca roots are considered one of the effective herbs in treating high prolactin, as they help regulate the pituitary hormones responsible for producing prolactin.

**2. Vitex**

Doctors recommend using Vitex because of its effectiveness in reducing prolactin levels in men, as it works to increase the level of dopamine in the body.

For quick results, it is recommended to take 400 milligrams three times a day.

**Sage and marjoram mixture**

Experts have explained that the combination of these two herbs contributes to reducing the hormone prolactin, as they work to significantly increase the hormone testosterone, which leads to reducing the levels of the prolactin hormone in men.

**Using Mucuna Pruriens**

Mucuna Pruriens, also known as velvet bean, is considered a natural source that contributes to increasing dopamine levels, which helps reduce prolactin in the male body. This herb is widespread in many Asian and African countries, and is usually used in the form of a powder mixed with white honey.

**Using Vitamin B6 to Treat High Prolactin in Men**

 

Vitamin B6 plays a role in the metabolism of amino acids, and is also used in the formation of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which leads to a reduction in prolactin. This vitamin can be obtained through eating foods or in the form of capsules in doses ranging from 300 to 1000 mg per day.

**Using Vitamin E to Reduce High Prolactin in Men**

 

Vitamin E is a vitamin rich in antioxidants, and has a significant effect on prolactin levels. It is recommended to take doses ranging from 300 to 400 international units per day. It can be obtained from natural sources such as broccoli, nuts, olive oil, mango, tomatoes, avocados, salmon, red meat and eggs.

**Black seed**

Black seed is effective in reducing prolactin by enhancing the secretion of estrogen. It is recommended to mix two cups of black seed with half a cup of fenugreek seeds and a little honey, then add boiling water and cover for a few minutes, and drink warm for two days while following the analysis.

**Anise**

High prolactin can be treated using herbs by mixing a spoonful of anise with rose, then grinding the ingredients until they become smooth. Take a spoonful of the ground and add it to a cup of boiling water, and drink it once in the morning and once in the evening.

**Barley drink**

A non-alcoholic barley drink is used in the morning to treat high prolactin, and barley decoction and soaking can also be used for the same purpose.

**Dyers' veins**

Dyers' veins can be mixed with ground cumin, then boiled water is added and left to soak for a while. Drink the mixture twice a day.

**Sesame seeds**

Sesame seeds help regulate hormone levels in the body, including prolactin, so it is recommended to eat them regularly to achieve hormone balance in the blood.

**Chasteberry**

Chasteberry is used to treat high prolactin levels, due to its effectiveness in reducing prolactin levels. 20 to 40 milligrams of chasteberry extract can be mixed withFor daily consumption.

**Purple clover and nettle mixture**

This mixture is considered one of the natural recipes that help regulate prolactin levels in the blood, as purple clover is mixed with nettle, grapes, and wild mint, and a spoonful of it is taken daily mixed with boiling water to obtain effective results.

**Tips to increase the effectiveness of the diet to reduce prolactin**

 

The effectiveness of the diet designated to reduce prolactin and achieve the desired results can be enhanced by following some important tips. Here are some guidelines to reduce levels of this hormone:

**Choosing fruits as snacks**

When following this system and changing eating habits, you may feel hungry between main meals. Eating snacks such as fried potatoes or processed sweets may hinder achieving the desired goals. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare fruits, whether fresh or dried, as an alternative to processed foods that may hinder the process of restoring hormonal balance in the body.

**Reducing the percentage of protein**

Despite the importance of proteins for building the body, it is preferable to reduce their percentage in meals so that it does not exceed half. It is preferable to increase the percentage of fat compared to protein, as prolactin is a protein hormone consisting of peptide chains, while sex hormones depend on fat metabolic pathways. Therefore, the amount of protein in the diet to reduce prolactin should be within the necessary limits only, without reaching the point of saturation.

**Exercise**

Exercise contributes to improving the body's response to the diet designed to reduce prolactin. However, exercises that exhaust the body and drain its energy should be avoided, as fatigue can lead to hormonal imbalance and increased secretion of prolactin. It is preferable that the duration of exercises does not exceed a quarter of an hour, unless the body is able to endure.