Does prolactin increase during pregnancy?

A woman's body will undergo major changes after pregnancy. For example, breast enlargement is a very common phenomenon. As the breast enlarges, the ability to produce milk will also become stronger, which is a preparation for having enough milk after the baby is born. After pregnancy, some hormones in a woman's body will also increase. Many women have questions about whether prolactin will increase after pregnancy. Let's introduce it below.

Does prolactin increase during pregnancy?

Generally, the prolactin index will increase in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. It can be controlled by taking medication. As for the dosage, it should be taken according to your own situation. It is recommended to find a doctor who prescribes the medicine and ask for the correct dosage to avoid affecting the development of the fetus. Pregnant women should also pay attention to rest and have regular physical examinations.

What should I pay attention to when prolactin is high?

1. Pay attention to diet and exercise: eat more vegetables and fruits, eat more high-protein foods, and exercise appropriately. In addition, you should have a regular life, avoid staying up late, and make sure you get enough rest.

2. Pay attention to the use of medication to inhibit the release of prolactin inhibitory factor, which leads to excessive prolactin secretion and causes amenorrhea and galactorrhea. Therefore, patients with high prolactin levels must be careful when taking medication.

3. Be careful not to take oral contraceptives: because oral contraceptives can cause increased prolactin and decreased gonadotropin secretion from the pituitary gland, leading to amenorrhea and galactorrhea. Some people who take oral contraceptives cannot get pregnant immediately for this reason.

4. Pay attention to pituitary tumors: More than 80% of pathological hyperprolactinemia is caused by the pituitary gland. Larger prolactinomas may also compress blood vessels and nerves in the brain, causing headaches, visual field defects, etc., and treatment is required once symptoms appear.

5. Pay attention to some diseases: primary hypothyroidism, idiopathic amenorrhea and galactorrhea syndrome, primary hyperthyroidism, renal insufficiency, bronchial cancer and other diseases can also cause increased prolactin.