What Causes High Prolactin and How It Affects Women’s Health

The hormonal balance of the reproductive hormones is crucial for the health of the woman. Although prolactin is not taking part in the reproduction process, it is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland which stimulates the breasts to produce milk in pregnant women and new mothers. That is why it is normal for a woman to have very high levels of prolactin if she is pregnant or breastfeeding, however in non-pregnant women these levels should be relatively low*. Why high levels of prolactin are considered a condition and how it is potentially dangerous for the woman’s reproductive health.

Which Are the Symptoms and Signs of High Prolactin? 

First of all, you need to know if the levels of prolactin are abnormally high. The best way to check that is with a blood test. However, your body will still show some signs and symptoms that your prolactin is too high because the main issue is that women with high prolactin find difficulties getting pregnant. Here are the most common signs and symptoms of high prolactin. 

  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Infertility 
  • Inability or difficulties getting pregnant 
  • Milk leakage from the breasts ( women who are not nursing)
  • Low sex drive
  • Painful intercourse
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Acne, skin issues
  • Excess body and facial hair
  • Hot flashes and night sweats

What Causes High Prolactin in Non-Pregnant Females?

The high levels of prolactin is a sign that the hormonal balance is compromised and usually it is an indicator that there is a problem in one or more glands like the pituitary gland or the thyroid. 

  • Injury or irritation of the chest
  • Hypothalamic diseases
  • Underactive thyroid gland- hypothyroidism
  • Kidney disease
  • Pituitary tumor that makes prolactin (prolactinoma)
  • Anorexia (an eating disorder)
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Certain medications (ant-depressants, blood pressure medications, histamine blockers etc.)
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of additional estrogen

Some factors can cause a temporarily increase of the prolactin levels:

  • Emotional or physical stress
  • Depression and/or anxiety attacks
  • Intense training 
  • High-protein meals
  • Intense breast stimulation

How Stress Affects the Prolactin Levels?

When you are under stress, the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline are increased. These hormones can inhibit the production of other hormones, in that case the gonadotropin-releasing hormone. Stress hormones in fact increase the prolactin production and also the estrogen levels. When the prolactin levels are very high though, it can cause a decrease in the reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Especially if the high prolactin is caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland (prolactinoma).

How Cold Laser Therapy Can Help the Regulation of Prolactin? 

A new way to treat hormonal imbalances is by applying cold laser therapy. It is getting more and more popular because it shows great results with a variety of conditions, is totally safe and non-invasive and is very easy to apply even at home, without the need to visit a medical center. In coMra therapy, the cold laser is assisted by magnets, light diodes and in some devices, ultrasound which makes it even more effective when inducing the healing process in the body. 

Effective coMra Laser Protocols for High Prolactin 

In the coMra User Guide, you will find numerous treatment protocols for various conditions and diseases with all details needed to apply a treatment at home on your own. In order to balance the reproductive hormones, you can use coMra Treatment Protocol Endocrinology 2 - Hormonal Imbalance and Universal 5 - Nervous system. Additionally, it will be very beneficial if you also include a protocol for the liver in the treatment course. 

Which Are the Side Effects of High Prolactin on Women’s Health?

  • Infertility
  • Decreased sex drive 
  • Menopausal symptoms
  • Irregular or absent periods
  • Thyroid issues
  • Weight gain 
  • Neurological disturbances
  • Vision issues
  • Hair loss
  • Estrogen dominance
  • Adrenal fatigue

*The levels of prolactin in non-pregnant females are 5 to 40 ng/dL (106 to 850 mIU/L), relatively levels above 25ng/dL are considered high.

To start using coMra, first search your health issue in the coMra User Guide ( you can use the Web app, download the mobile version or as a pdf file). If you can find it, start applying the relevant to it treatment protocol. If you do not find it, start with coMra Universal 3 and coMra Universal 5 protocols. If you have questions and need support by an expert, please contact us.