Today, quite a large number of familiesface infertility. Often it is caused by hormonal disorders in both men and women. The most common of these is an increased amount of prolactin in the blood.
This hormone is synthesized by the anterior lobepituitary, as well as in small quantities decidual membrane and endometrium. Together with estradiol, it affects the functioning and growth of the mammary glands, is responsible for lactation.
Also, prolactin has the following effects on the body:
- has a simulating effect on immunity;
- stimulates hair growth;
- promotes activation of anabolic processes;
- regulates water-salt metabolism (promotes calcium absorption, retards excretion of sodium and water by the kidneys);
- in increased amounts prolongs existencecorpus luteum (prolongs the luteal phase), inhibits ovulation, reduces the secretion of progesterone and estrogen (this mechanism prevents pregnancy and menstruation during breastfeeding);
- in high concentrations inhibits the development and formation of sperm, as well as testosterone production.
One of the first steps in the survey of men andwomen faced with infertility is the analysis of prolactin. Today it is performed in any modern laboratory. However, this study must be prepared.
During the day before it exclude sex,nipple stimulation, stress, exposure to high temperatures, heavy loads. An hour before the analysis, give up smoking and at least 15 minutes in front of him sit in the waiting room to rest and calm down. If a person is nervous before a visit to the laboratory, then the analysis of the hormone prolactin is better to postpone.
Проводить исследование рекомендуют на 5 день cycle. It is better to donate blood before 10 am The secretion of prolactin is pulsating and depends on many factors. Therefore, when obtaining a result that goes beyond the boundaries of the norm, it is recommended to conduct a study several times.
When making a diagnosis, the doctor should take into account not only the blood test for prolactin, but also the patient's complaints. For example, nipple discharge, infertility, decreased libido, cycle disturbances.
So, analysis of prolactin is necessary in the following cases:
- osteoporosis;
- gynecomastia;
- reduced potency and libido;
- hirsutism;
- obesity;
- severe menopause;
- lactation disorders after childbirth;
- post-pregnancy;
- chronic inflammation of the genital organs;
- sexual infantilism;
- infertility;
- uterine bleeding;
- amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea;
- anavulation;
- mastopathy;
- chest pain cyclical nature;
- galactorrhea.
The rates (in ng / ml) of this assay are as follows:
- males: 2.7-17;
- 1 trimester: 3.3-43.1;
- 2 trimester: 13,1-166,1;
- Term 3: 13.1-318.1;
- follicular phase: 4,6-33;
- ovulation: 6.4-46.1;
- luteal phase: 5-40.1;
- menopause: 4-29,6.
Usually the lab indicates on the result sheettheir norms, which may differ slightly from the above values. In addition, other units of measurement are used - Med / L. To translate them into ng / ml, it is necessary to divide by 21.
The level of prolactin in the blood of womenreproductive age varies throughout the cycle. In the luteal phase, which begins after ovulation and ends before menstruation, it is higher than in the follicular phase. Also, the hormone concentration changes throughout pregnancy. From the 8th week it starts to increase and reaches its maximum by the 6th month.
Prolactin levels are elevated in the following conditions:
- lack of vitamin B6;
- autoimmune diseases;
- PCOS;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- stress;
- kidney failure;
- hypothyroidism;
- hypothalamic diseases;
- pituitary tumors and dysfunctions;
- lactation;
- pregnancy;
- galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome.
Analysis of prolactin will show the result below the norm in the following cases:
- radiotherapy;
- removal of the pituitary gland;
- re-pregnancy
It is important to take into account that the level of hormone in the blood is affected by the intake of various drugs and substances. For example, beer increases the concentration of prolactin.
Thus, the analysis of prolactin is mandatory for screening for infertility, since it affects the reproductive function in both women and men.
