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Table of Contents

Hyperprolactinemia

One of the factors that distinguish a mammal from any other class of animals is the mode of feeding its young one, that is, the presence of functional breasts. Since the dawn of  evolution, true milk production remains a mammalian mother’s monopoly.

Prolactin is the reason why things are this way. It is a peptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary, and it also goes by the name lactotropin. Its primary functions are breast development and the secretion of milk, but the hormone also helps in bolstering immunity, inducing maternal instincts, maintaining metabolism, etc. In pregnant or breastfeeding people, it ranges from 80-400 ng/ml. As the hormone is also associated with functions unrelated to lactation, it is always found in both male and female bodies in trace amounts (less than 20 ng/ml and 25 ng/ml respectively). If the serum prolactin levels go beyond this level, the condition is called hyperprolactinemia, and treatment for hyperprolactinemia is necessary to manage the elevated hormone levels.

Causes of Hyperprolactinemia

A slight and temporary increase of prolactin levels in the blood is common right after eating, sexual intercourse, exercise, physical pain, chest injury, ovulation, nipple stimulation in non-lactating women, seizures, etc. Anyway, the prolactin levels are supposed to go back to normal after these. But in certain conditions, its level remains increased in the blood. Some of them are-

  • Tumors to the pituitary gland, meninges, or certain other parts of the brain
  • Long-standing inflammation that leads to granuloma formation
  • Trauma to the brain
  • Pituitary hypersecretion such as in acromegaly
  • Certain drugs like opioids, dopamine inhibitors, hormonal pills, calcium channel blockers, etc.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperprolactinemia

In women-

  • Menstrual problems like amenorrhea (absence of periods) or irregular periods associated with heavy bleeding (menorrhagia)
  • Moodswings
  • Galactorrhea (rarely)- production of breast milk in non-pregnant and non-lactating women
  • Breast tenderness
  • Infertility

 

In men-

  • Unilateral or bilateral gynecomastia- enlargement of breast
  • Low testosterone levels
  • Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Infertility

In both males and females, hyperprolactinemia can cause a dip in sexual desire and a decrease in bone density. The latter increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Hyperprolactinemia

Ayurveda explains health and disease by using the tridosha concept. The three doshas vata, pitta, and kapha, and their respective subtypes govern all functions of the body. When it comes to endocrine glands, their position can be correlated to that of the doshas and their subtypes to understand it. For example, the seat of prana (a type of vata), sadhaka (a type of pitta), and tarpaka (a type of kapha) are shiras (head) according to Ayurvedic literature. By mitigating their vitiation, pituitary dysfunction can be prevented and managed up to an extent. Various shamana (medicines) and shodhana (purificatory) therapies can be employed for the same.

The symptoms of hyperprolactinemia can be successfully managed by Ayurveda. Erectile and sexual dysfunctions in men are broadly mentioned as klaibya and impaired shukra dhatu metabolism can be cited as the reason for it. There is a branch devoted to these kinds of disorders in Ayurveda, namely Vajeekarana. Vajeekarana treatments are intended to purify the reproductive tissues of both males and females, thereby ensuring their virility and potency.

The menstrual abnormalities come under Yoni vyapads mentioned by classical Ayurvedic texts. A healthy menstrual flow can be achieved through periodic panchakarma treatments and appropriate Ayurvedic medicines, as opposed to the hormonal treatment advocated by western medicine.

AyurVAID Approach

When appropriately managed, hyperprolactinemia is never a nightmare. Here at Apollo AyurVAID, we approach such conditions with proper Ayurvedic means and help you recover completely. Apollo AyurVAID is a pristine institution that bears the virtue of Ayurveda. Our doctors, skilled and proficient in their field, are here to help you by providing comfort and reassurance. In-depth assessment of the condition, precise diagnosis, thorough samprapti vighatana (breaking the disease pathway), properly planned prakriti-oriented treatment, quality procedures, safe and hygienic environment, etc are our peculiarities. We offer you complete care for the conditions that ail you, including prolactin treatment in Ayurveda.

We are:-

  • First NABH-accredited hospital in India
  • The winner of the esteemed National Award for Best Ayurvedic Centre of the year 2017 from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • Industry’s best customer satisfaction score of 92%, rated by our clients

Frequently Asked Questions

Can yoga help to manage hyperprolactinemia ?
Yoga has its way of calming hormonal imbalances. It has been proven that many diseases caused by hormonal irregularities are successfully managed by yoga. Some of the postures that could help hyperprolactinemia are-

● Sethubandhasana (bridge pose)
● Ushtrasana (camel pose)
● Bhujangasana (serpent pose)
● Shashankasana (rabbit pose)
Can hyperprolactinemia occur in non-pregnant women too ?
Yes, hyperprolactinemia can happen in non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women, and even men also. The hormone prolactin is present in both sexes and has functions other than lactation. Some of the causes of hyperprolactinemia are mentioned above, and they can happen to anyone.
How is hyperprolactinemia diagnosed ?
The causes are to be ruled out through detailed history taking. A prolactin test will help the doctor evaluate the levels of prolactin in your blood. In suspected tumor cases, a CT or MRI can assess the location and extent.

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