How to recognize the first symptoms (side effects) of high and low prolactin? What raises the level of this hormone? (Patreon)

The role of prolactin in women's organisms is well-understood - it promotes lactation, breast development, and is essential before, during, and after pregnancy; just for the starters. What about men? Well, studies on its actual functionality in the male body are conflicting.

Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, prostate gland, breasts, and via adipose tissue. In men's organisms, prolactin has a fair importance in reproduction, paternal care, and the transport of liquid and electrolytes through the intestinal mucosa. It is also involved in regulating the immune system. However, men with low prolactin levels are unlikely to notice it based on symptoms alone. On the contrary, they are very sensitive to its fluctuations, where even the slightest increase in serum concentration can lead to adverse effects.

High prolactin symptoms (most common to the rarest order):

- lowered sex drive

- erectile dysfunction

- irritability

- anxiety

- depression

- sensitive nipples

- increased fat storage

- acne

- lowered testosterone

- breasts milk (in men, that's right)

- headaches

- fertility problems

- abnormal lack of body and facial hair

- insulin resistance

Low prolactin symptoms (most common to the rarest order):

- none

- low empathy

- high dopamine-correlated side effects (e.g., a tendency to addictions or excessive risk-taking)

- worsened state of being

- lowered sex drive

- moderate metabolic disturbances

A single symptom must not indicate either increased or lowered prolactin. Nonetheless, 3 or more symptoms should lead you to take blood tests, verify its level, and react accordingly.

Prolactin levels can raise due to:

- intake of diverse AAS (e.g., Deca Durabolin)

- prolonged fatigue

- chronic stress

- alcohol abuse (especially beer)

- high estrogen

- obesity

- ejaculation (up to 48h after ejaculation, though your body will regulate its level on its own after this time. That is why it is essential to avoid sexual activity 2-3 days before completing blood work)

- several foods, including excessive intake of oats, barley (beer therefore) or even brown rice and fennel

- certain medications, including SSRIs

- disturbed functioning of the pituitary gland (e.g., disease named prolactinoma)

- disturbed thyroid gland functions (i.a., if FT4 is high, prolactin may be heightened too)

- disturbed functions of dopamine receptors

- pregnancy/breastfeeding (in women, obviously, though high prolactin may trigger lactation in men)

Prolactin is being regulated by:

- dopamine (antagonist of prolactin)

- DHEA

and excessively downregulated by:

- sleep deprivation

Prolactin levels can be lowered by taking supplements like:

- DHEA

- high doses of B6

- high doses of zinc

- Mucuna Pruriens

- high ginseng doses

- uridine

- Ginkgo Biloba

- adaptogens indirectly (e.g., aswagandha, rhodiola rosea)

foods like:

garlic, meat (all kinds, though best to avoid cheap chicken and fish meat) or spinach (ecdysterone can be useful)

drugs like:

- cabaser

- dostinex

- bromocorn

- bromergon

- parlodel