What are the common causes of elevated prolactin levels?
Mar 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, common causes of elevated prolactin levels may include pregnancy, stress and lifestyle habits, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and others. In daily life, it is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, keep a positive mood, and regularly recheck prolactin levels and related indicators to maintain overall health.
Generally, elevated prolactin levels may be caused by common factors such as pregnancy, stress and lifestyle habits, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, and endometriosis. These conditions require symptomatic management through general treatments, medications, and other approaches. If physical discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical examination and treatment at a hospital as early as possible. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, especially in the later stages, prolactin levels naturally increase to promote breast development and prepare for lactation. Typically, there are no specific accompanying symptoms, as this is a normal physiological change. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and adequate nutrition is recommended to support these natural bodily changes.
2. Stress and Lifestyle Habits
Prolonged excessive sleep, mental tension, anxiety, and other stress states may cause a temporary increase in prolactin levels. These factors influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and subsequently affect prolactin secretion. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, maintain regular作息 patterns, and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress.
3. Hypothyroidism
In patients with hypothyroidism, decreased thyroid hormone levels lead to increased production of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete prolactin, thereby increasing prolactin levels. Symptoms such as cold intolerance, hypersomnolence, and fatigue may also occur. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets, thyroid tablets, and alfacalcidol soft capsules for treatment.
4. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome may be related to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and adrenal gland disorders. This condition causes hormonal imbalances in the body, leading to elevated prolactin levels, and may be accompanied by symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, weight gain, and acne. Patients may take medications such as clomiphene citrate capsules, dydrogesterone tablets, and letrozole tablets under medical guidance for treatment.
5. Endometriosis
Endometriosis may be associated with retrograde menstruation and immune factors. This condition leads to ovarian dysfunction, which affects the secretion of gonadotropic hormones by the pituitary gland, resulting in elevated prolactin levels. Patients often experience symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, infertility, and pain during sexual intercourse. It is recommended to follow medical instructions and use medications such as danazol capsules, gestrinone capsules, and norethisterone tablets to alleviate symptoms.
In daily life, it is important to maintain regular作息 patterns, avoid staying up late, keep a positive mood, and regularly monitor prolactin levels and related indicators to maintain overall health.
References
[1] Cao Yuxin, Zhang Jian, Wang Tiansheng, et al. A case of pituitary prolactinoma with spherical amyloid deposition[J]. Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Skull Base Surgery, 2024, 30(02): 120-122.
[2] Chen Qi. Study on the correlation between hyperprolactinemia during pregnancy and postpartum depression[J]. Chinese Journal of Folk Therapy, 2024, 32(07): 73-74+85.
