PRL hormone

Prolactin, or abbreviated as PRL hormone, is excreted in the pituitary gland, as well as in the endometrium, but in a smaller amount. Prolactin is divided into three forms: tetrameric from 0.5 to 5%, dimeric from 5 to 20%, monomer about 80%.

What does the hormone prolactin?

To date, the effect of prolactin to the end has not been studied. So far, its important role in the processes has been revealed: growth of the mammary glands, increase in the number of ducts and lactiferous segments, maturation, as well as the release of colostrum, conversion of colostrum into milk, lengthening of the phase of the yellow body and regulation of the water-salt balance in the body. And during pregnancy acts as a contraceptive, preventing conception during this period. In men, PRL hormone acts on three factors in the body: water-salt metabolism, stimulates the growth of spermatozoa, increases the release of testosterone. But, in case of an increase in its level from the norm, it can lead to problems with conception.

How correctly to hand over the analysis of a blood on Prolactinum (PRL)

In order to obtain reliable indicators, blood can be taken to PRL in any phase of the menstrual cycle. The result is considered depending on the day of the cycle in which the blood was taken. If a doctor has prescribed an analysis not only for PRL, but for other hormones that need to be taken at a certain time, then it is convenient to combine them so that blood sampling can be done once. But before taking tests for hormones, two days must be prepared: to refrain from sex, eating sweet, to avoid stress, exercise, medical examination of the mammary glands, as well as to give blood on an empty stomach. The units of the PRL level are nanograms per milliliter (ng / ml), or in micro international units per milliliter (μmE / ml). In order to convert μME / ml into ng / ml, the first indicator should be divided by 30.3.

The norm of prolactin is considered from 4.5 to 49 ng / ml (136-1483 μIU / ml), but depending on the cycle phase this norm varies:

During pregnancy, hormone levels change:

The male hormone level of prolactin is lower than that of women, and ranges from 2.5 to 17 ng / ml (75-515 μIU / L).

If the level of the hormone is lowered or elevated (which is more common), the symptoms can be: problems with conception, decreased sexual desire, acne, weight gain. In women - the lack of ovulation, a violation of the menstrual cycle, the growth of hard hair on the face and body, and in men - impotence. In this situation, depending on the deviations of the hormone indices, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment.