A polypeptide hormone produced by part of the pituitary gland, prolactin is a protein primarily known for its role in lactation, the production of breast milk.
However, not only is prolactin also secreted by men, but it fulfils several functions within the body.
Prolactin actually binds to the cell membrane receptors of female mammary glands, as well as those of the ovaries and uterus. In men, it binds to testicle cell membrane receptors.
It thus plays a role in:
In addition, a number of studies have shown that prolactin peaks in the body just after, and several hours after, orgasm. This post-orgasm rise in prolactin contributes to the feeling of well-being and fulfilment associated with sexual pleasure (1).
For various reasons (certain medical treatments, thyroid and other problems), the pituitary gland can sometimes produce too much prolactin: when levels of monomeric prolactin in the circulation reach more than 900 mIU/L, it is referred to as hyperprolactinaemia (2).
Hyperprolactinaemia can cause various problems (3):
Hyperprolactinaemia affects, on average, 1 woman in 1000 and 1 man in 5000.
It’s also worth noting that dopamine inhibits prolactin secretion.
Firstly, it’s been shown that people suffering from anorexia and those with very low blood sugar have high prolactin levels (5). Conversely, those who eat a heathy, balanced diet, with no specific diseases, generally have normal prolactin levels.
So the first step is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables, high in vitamins and antioxidants. Alcohol also causes hyperprolactinaemia (6).
It’s also important to ensure your diet does not contain any lactogenic foods – those that stimulate prolactin secretion. So the following plant source foods should ideally be excluded from the diet (7):
In other words, in order to promote a reduction in prolactin, you should avoid all the foods recommended to new mums for increasing lactation.
In addition, several remedies have proved effective in regulating either hormones in general, or prolactin in particular. They include:
If you’re worried about a symptom of hyperprolactinaemia or simply want to lower your prolactin levels, you can also take a synergistic supplement such as Natural Anti Prolactin Support, which contains both vitamin B6 and Mucuna pruriens (as well as zinc orotate, antioxidant vitamin E, American ginseng extract, etc.).
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