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Prolactin is the hormone responsible for stimulating breast milk production in nursing mothers as well as the natural development of the breasts in all women. High levels of prolactin, known as hyperprolactinemia, happens when the pituitary gland secretes too much prolactin. This condition is normal during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, high prolactin does not favor women trying to conceive and is said to be one of the leading causes of infertility in couples today.
In addition to infertility, excess production of prolactin can lead to: Irregular nipple discharge; spontaneous breast milk production and flow unassociated with childbirth ; breast engorgement and pain; disruptions in the normal menstrual cycle; abnormal growth of facial and body hair in women; pain or discomfort during intercourse due to vaginal dryness; abnormal acne (including chest acne); osteopenia, a condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal; unexplained headaches and visual impairment; erectile dysfunction in men; decreased potency and libido as well as increased risk of miscarriage .
Causes of high prolactin
They include: Non-cancerous tumors and diseases affecting the pituitary gland; Certain drugs, heavy alcohol and metals inside the body; medications such as high dose birth control pills; diseases of other organs, such as the liver, kidney, ovaries and thyroid; certain stressors, like low blood sugar, strenuous exercise activities, and even mild forms of discomfort; chest wall trauma and irritation (tight bra and clothing).
Nature has provided us with several plant species that offer prolactin-reducing benefits:
Newbouldialaevis– (fertility plant, ogirisi-Igbo, akoko-Yoruba, aduruku-Hausa): Decoction of leaves will decrease high levels of prolactin and even prevent threatened abortions. Take one teacup 3 X daily.
Vitexangus-castus (chaste berry): Has a balancing effect on the hormone-prolactin. Our local equivalent is V. doniana (uchakoro) in Igbo. The new leaves and fruits provide remedies for an anovulatorycycle, vaginal dryness and depression. It also promotes and improves timing of the menstrual cycles and nourishes the pituitary gland. The leaves may be chewed fresh, squeezed in hot water and drunk.
You can purchase the capsules from health stores. Recommended dose of Vitex for high prolactin is 400mg 3 X daily. Note that, it usually takes three or four months for this plant species to have an effect; so it is best to wait for six months before retesting prolactin levels.
For better results, mix Vitex with equal portions of Spondiasmombin (ijikara, Igbo; Iyeye, Yoruba) and dandelion (ewe yarin, wild lettuce). Take 1 Tbs infused in boiled water for 15-30 minutes, 2-3 X daily.
Diodiascandens: (ekwueme– Igbo, ehin aribo– Yoruba): This herb will not only reduce your high levels of prolactin but will also enhance ovulation, sperm count and potency. It is often recommended to reduce an over-supply of breast milk and engorgement while weaning the baby, and reducing prolactin.
Take 1 tsp of the powdered leaves and stem in a teacup of boiled water, 2 X daily. Sweeten with unadulterated honey, if desired.
Stachytarphetaindica (irualangbe-Yoruba; odungwele-Igbo; tsarkiyarkusu-Hausa)- This simple herb has helped many women. For better results, add equal quantity of Ocimumgratissimum (nchuanwu-Igbo; effirin-Yoruba; daidoya ta gida-Hausa). Take as an infusion, 1 teacup 2-3 x daily for a minimum of three months. This will relieve pains – breast pain, back pain, headaches; scanty periods and even help you conceive.
Mucunapruriens (velvetbean, agbara-Igbo, werepe-Yoruba): This herb popularly used to boost blood levels has been documented to enhance fertility in women. For high prolactin, take half teaspoon of the powdered seeds and leaves daily with honey or 400mg of the capsule as a daily dose.
Vitamins:
Vitamin B6: Several studies point out a link between Vitamin B6 deficiency and high prolactin. Consider eating more foods containing Vitamin B6, such as potatoes, whole grain flour, wheat germ, sunflower seeds, banana, watermelon, carrots, brown rice, soybeans, spinach and lentils. To lower prolactin, the recommended dose of Vitamin B6 is between 300mg to 1000mg per day in divided dose.
Zinc: Works with Vitamin B6 to keep your hormone levels balanced. The two taken together helps in naturally lowering prolactin levels. You need about 30 mgs of daily zinc supplementation. Foods high in zinc include nuts (ground nuts, cashew); tiger nuts, spinach, pumpkin, mushrooms and beans.
Vitamin E: Has a way of preventing prolactin levels from rising and this is why it is usually prescribed in many infertility issues. After all, just a slight decrease in the prolactin level can improve your chances of getting pregnant. About 300 to 400 IU per day of this powerful lipid-soluble antioxidant nutrient may be all you need to bring down your high prolactin.
S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM-e): This is a very effective prolactin inhibitor. As a result of its ability to detoxify the liver, this supplement regulates estrogen levels while lowering prolactin. Recommended dosage for lowering prolactin level is 400mg to 1200mg.
Other steps you can take to lower your prolactin levels include:
• Changing your diet and keeping your stress levels down;
• Stopping high-intensity workouts or activities that overwhelm you;
• Avoiding clothing that makes your chest uncomfortable;
• Avoiding activities that over-stimulate your nipples;
• Reducing alcohol, foods, spices, and avoiding eating anything that can raise your prolactin levels.
