Hyperprolactinemia is a condition where our pituitary gland produces more prolactin than normal. One of the most common causes are small tumors in said gland, which are known as prolactinomas and are most often benign. The ideal is to go to a specialist to offer you the appropriate treatment and make changes to your diet and lifestyle.
the nutritionist Mauret Rojas from the portal LaViafit He explains about prolactin and why prolactin increases in some women.
What is prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone whose main function in women is to stimulate the production of breast milk after childbirth. Sometimes this hormone is elevated even though these conditions have not occurred and this condition is known as hyperprolactinemia.
When does hyperprolactinemia or elevated prolactin appear?
Hyperprolactinemia is a condition where our pituitary gland produces more prolactin than normal. It should be noted that this condition is present in up to 14% of patients presenting with amenorrhea.
Excessive stress can cause this condition. Photo: Pexels.
What are the causes that make prolactin increase?
One of the most common causes are small tumors in the pituitary gland that are known as prolactinomas and are most often benign.
Other observed causes are: the use of certain medications that stimulate the production of this hormone.
Excess stress and other lifestyle factors can aggravate this condition.
What foods should I reduce and how should I improve my lifestyle?
1.- Reduce alcohol intake, especially beer
Beer contains barley, which is a polysaccharide that stimulates the production of prolactin, both in its presentation as alcohol or without alcohol.
Alcohol consumption alone is also associated with an increase in prolactin production.
2.- Increase the consumption of vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a prolactin inhibitor that is usually highly effective and safe. You can obtain it from your food and sometimes its supplementation is necessary with the guidance of a professional.
3.- Beware of stress
Emotional and physical stress causes changes in dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline and cortisol, causing increased production of prolactin.
In turn, elevated prolactin causes some problems associated with stress, such as dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier and an increase in androgen hormones.
4.- Consume enough zinc and vitamin E
Both nutrients have an inhibitory effect on the production of prolactin and must be present in your diet.
Sometimes your supplementation can have a beneficial effect, seek professional guidance to know the amount indicated for you.
5.- Check your thyroid hormones
Check your thyroid. Photo: Pinterest.
The inadequate production of thyroid hormones can increase prolactin levels.
Up to 30% of people with hypothyroidism have elevated prolactin.
Hyperthyroidism is also associated with an increase in this hormone.
6.- Consider supplementation with vitex
Vitex Agnus Castus has a dopaminergic effect that causes inhibition of prolactin synthesis.
Its supplementation also helps control premenstrual symptoms and pain and inflammation of the breasts.
7.- Review the medications you take
The increase in prolactin can be induced by some medications. Consult your doctor about the most appropriate options for you.
Some medications that can affect your hormone are: tricyclic antidepressants, SSRi antidepressants, opium derivatives, antipsychotics, antiemetics.
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