When and why prolactin levels increase in women?

Hello

Prolactin levels normally rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding (chestfeeding). They may also rise slightly due to the following situations:

Physical stress, such as experiencing pain.
Exercise.
Eating a meal.
Sexual intercourse.
Nipple stimulation unrelated to chestfeeding.
Injury to your chest area.
Epileptic seizures.
These increases in prolactin are usually slight and temporary. Certain conditions and medications can cause long-term (persistent) elevated prolactin levels.

What test measures prolactin levels?
A prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin in your blood. Your health care provider may order a prolactin blood test for you if you experience signs and symptoms of elevated prolactin levels and/or to evaluate the function of your pituitary gland.

Source: Cleveland Clinic

What are the symptoms of hyperprolactinemia?
Symptoms associated with hyperprolactinemia for women include the following:

• Milky nipple discharge

• Milk production when not pregnant or breastfeeding

• Menstrual irregularities

• Vaginal dryness, causing painful intercourse

• Fertility problems

• Headaches and visual problems (both of these are less common)

If the prolactin level is only a little bit elevated, there may not be any symptoms at all; prolactin levels, by nature, can fluctuate.

Source: Yale Medicine