Causes of high prolactin after pregnancy

Prolactin, also known as prolactin, is one of the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland. Women secrete prolactin in large quantities in the late stages of pregnancy and lactation to promote breast development and lactation. During pregnancy, prolactin levels are much higher than usual. High prolactin itself only affects ovulation and does not affect pregnancy, so no special treatment is required. Below we will introduce to you the causes of high prolactin after pregnancy.

1. During the lactation period of women, this is a normal physiological phenomenon. When a mother gives birth to a lovely baby, the milk that is most needed and has the most nutritional value will be automatically secreted to feed the baby continuously. The prolactin produced by the pituitary gland plays an indispensable role in this.

2. Hypothalamic and pituitary diseases, which is one of the main causes. For example, pituitary tumors can secrete prolactin without restraint, causing the prolactin level in the blood to be much higher than normal. Polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.

3. Hypothyroidism and kidney dysfunction.

4. Tumors in other parts of the body, such as ovarian cancer and kidney cancer.

5. Some drugs can also cause an increase in prolactin. Long-term oral use of drugs such as reserpine, chlorpromazine, methyldopa, and some other oral contraceptives can also cause increased prolactin secretion, which is one of the reasons why you cannot get pregnant immediately after stopping oral contraceptives.

When there is too much prolactin in the body, it can significantly inhibit the normal secretion of gonadotropin from the pituitary gland, thereby causing ovarian dysfunction and affecting the normal development of follicles, ovulation function and pregnancy function. If the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone decreases, it will directly lead to developmental disorders of the ovarian follicles, which will become weak or incomplete, and ultimately lead to anovulation and inability to conceive.