SX21

High prolactin

Content written by Irwin Goldstein, MD

Prolactin is a peptide hormone synthesized and secreted in the anterior pituitary gland. Pituitary prolactin secretion is regulated in part by dopamine, which acts to inhibit prolactin secretion. High prolactin can result from a tumor in the pituitary gland that synthesizes prolactin without any physiologic regulation. Other causes of elevated prolactin include high levels of TSH from hypothyroidism, and a side effect of anti-psychotic medication.

Elevated prolactin causes symptoms of low interest and is associated with low levels of testosterone. It is recommended that during an evaluation for a man with a sexual medicine problem, if low levels of testosterone are found, prolactin levels should be measured.

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