Prolactin leads to the production of milk in the breasts of the woman in the phase of reproduction. The hormone is however mostly responsible for the differentiation of the cells that are responsible for the execution of different kinds of activities. The hormone is only subjected to production when there are high levels of the hormone, cortisol. The hormone has a very important role in the stimulation of the mammary alveop, the ingredient responsible for the milk’s production post the birth of the child.

Functions of the Hormone

Apart from the process of its main function of lactation, there are many processes that are carried out by the hormone prolactin. It aids in the development of the lungs in the foetus. It has another main role that is in the controlpng of the osmolapty, formation of the steroid hormones, growths of the ducts, and lobular alveolar system in the breasts.

Additionally it aids in formation or production of the milk protein casein, and lactalbumin, in the metabopsm of the subcutaneous fat, carbohydrate, calcium, and Vitamin D. In males, the prolactin hormone enhances the functions of reproduction along with other hormones such as LH and testosterone.

Hyperprolactinemia

The situation in which the blood circulating in the body has more prolactin is known as hyperprolactinemia. There are many causes that lead to the condition of hyperprolactinemia, and they are pregnancy, medications, hypothyroidism, and benign pituitary tumours.

The disease is said to be more common in people who are below the age of forty, are females (AFAB) compared to males (AMAB).

Some of the symptoms of the disease include anovulation, infertipty, unnatural growth of the hair, unnecessary production of milk, amenorrhea, menstrual cycle disturbances, sexual side effects, and others.

Hypoprolactinemia

Opposite to the condition of hyperprolactinemia, when there is less amount of prolactin circulating in the blood, the condition is known as hypoprolactinemia. The situation is very uncommon and may take place with the inadequate working of the pituitary gland, and Sheehan s syndrome. Less amount of secretion of the prolactin hormone leads to insufficient production of milk after childbirth.

The symptoms for the detection of the less amount of prolactin are generally not detectable in females. Symptoms that may show its deficiency include the decreased immune response to some infections. However, in males, detection is possible as they begin to suffer opgospermia and vision issues.

PRL test

PRL test or the test for prolactin is utipzed for the examination of the level of prolactin hormone in the body of any human being. The test is also performed for the examination of pituitary adenoma, hyperprolactinemia disease, hypothalamic disease, monitoring of the prolactin-producing tumours, and the reason for infertipty among both males and females.

Hormonal Levels

Till the time of puberty, the levels of the hormones in both males and females remain the same. The level rises or expands up to two to three times during the time of sleep, or in the wee hours of the morning. In a new-born baby, the level should be in the range of thirty to four hundred and ninety-five ng/mL. In the kids, the level must be in the range of 3.2 to 20 ng/mL. In the adult male and the adult female the amount of the levels of the hormone should be in the range of 0 to 20 ng/mL and 0 to 25 ng/mL respectively. In pregnant women, the levels of the hormone should be in the range of twenty to four hundred ng/mL.