THE ROLE OF PROLACTIN IN INFERTILITY

22 December 20242′ read5 sections

CONTENTS

How Does Prolactin Affect Fertility?
Causes of Hyperprolactinaemia
Symptoms of High Prolactin
Diagnosis and Treatment
In Conclusion

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, and it plays a key role in milk production during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, raised prolactin levels in men and in women who are not pregnant can lead to fertility problems. Hyperprolactinaemia, i.e. excessive production of prolactin, is one of the common causes of infertility.

How Does Prolactin Affect Fertility?

Prolactin can affect fertility in several ways:

- In women: raised prolactin can disrupt the menstrual cycle and reduce ovulation. These disturbances may prevent conception or lead to miscarriages.

- In men: hyperprolactinaemia can cause reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and reduced sperm production, thereby affecting fertility.

Causes of Hyperprolactinaemia

There are various factors that can raise prolactin levels:

Pituitary tumours (prolactinoma): these tumours can cause excessive production of prolactin.
Certain medicines: antidepressants, blood pressure medicines and some antipsychotic drugs can raise prolactin levels.
Hypothyroidism: reduced thyroid function can affect prolactin production.
Stress: chronic stress can raise prolactin levels, disrupting fertility.

Symptoms of High Prolactin

- Irregular or absent menstrual cycles in women.

- Galactorrhoea (milk production outside pregnancy).

- Reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in men.

- Difficulty conceiving and infertility in both sexes.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Hyperprolactinaemia is diagnosed with a blood test to measure prolactin levels. If hyperprolactinaemia is detected, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to examine the pituitary gland.

Treatment depends on the cause:

- Medication: medicines such as dopamine agonists can lower prolactin levels and restore fertility.

- Surgery: in cases of a pituitary tumour, surgical removal may be needed.

In Conclusion

Hyperprolactinaemia is a common cause of infertility, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, prolactin can return to normal levels and fertility can be restored.

Book an appointment at our practice so that we can assess your prolactin levels and recommend the appropriate treatment to improve your fertility.

TAGSIVFIVF supportIVF GreeceIVF pregnancyIVF supportreproductive medicine centreReproductive Healthfertilityinfertility

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

Gynecologist · Specialist in Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine

He supports scientific excellence in clinical practice and recognizes the possibilities offered by modern reproductive methods to couples who wish to have a child of their own.

His profile

The content of this article is for information only and does not replace a medical examination and advice.

All articles

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve conception after one year (or 6 months in the case of a woman over the age of 35) of normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year has passed without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their treating physician, so that the cause preventing pregnancy can be identified and subsequently addressed. However, we should all be aware and not forget that age is the most critical factor for female fertility, and that an individualized approach to each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

Of course not. In approximately one third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in another third of cases it is due to the man (male factor). In the remaining third, it is due to both partners (both the man and the woman) or even to unknown factors.

• alcohol • narcotic substances • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead • smoking • health problems • medications • radiotherapy and chemotherapy • age

In general, specialists agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child may be considered evidence that, at least initially, there is no infertility problem. It is like a small test that has been carried out and shows that they “succeeded” at least once. On the other hand, however, we should be aware that circumstances may have changed in the meantime and that a problem may have developed (e.g., the man may have had an inflammation affecting the quality of his sperm, or something may have occurred that affects female fertility: an inflammation, gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, therefore, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple is unable to achieve a pregnancy, then, with the help of their doctor, they should investigate whether a problem causing infertility has arisen.

Success rates vary at each IVF center. Very important factors also include the woman’s age, her hormone levels, and, of course, her husband’s sperm. In general, rates are around 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years of age.

The number of treatment cycles a woman may undergo is not fixed. It is certain that in our country there are highly qualified obstetrician-gynecologists and well-organized infertility treatment centers that provide excellent medical services in this field. Provided that the appropriate indications are present (e.g., ovaries that respond to stimulation treatment, a good-quality endometrium, etc.), the success rate—particularly with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological medicines, which demonstrate increased bioactivity compared with conventional urine-derived medicines—reaches a cumulative rate of approximately 65%–70% after 4 treatment cycles.

Egg retrieval takes 10–15 minutes, is not painful, is performed under sedation, and after the procedure is completed you can return to your activities.

The association between IVF medications and the risk of developing cancer is the greatest concern for women participating in these programs. However, numerous literature references gathered from reliable scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

At Dr. Traianos' Reproductive Medicine Center, we offer egg and sperm cryopreservation services for individuals who have a personal or medical reason and require this service. We use the most advanced vitrification technique for the freezing of sperm and eggs.

How Does Prolactin Affect Fertility?

Causes of Hyperprolactinaemia

Symptoms of High Prolactin

Diagnosis and Treatment

In Conclusion

The first step is a discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions most frequently.

When is a couple considered infertile?

Is infertility only a female problem?

What increases the risk of male infertility?

I already have one child, but I am now having difficulty becoming pregnant again. Could a problem have arisen with me or with my partner?

What is the success rate of in vitro fertilization?

How many times can a woman undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)?

Is egg retrieval painful?

Can IVF medications cause cancer?

Can I freeze my eggs or my sperm?