How to recognize the first symptoms (side effects) of high and low prolactin? What raises the level of this hormone?

The role of prolactin in women's organisms is well-understood (it promotes lactation, and breast development, is an essential hormone before, during, and after pregnancy, etc.), but in men's... studies are conflicting, especially when it comes to AAS cycles.

Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, prostate gland, breasts, and via adipose tissue. In men's organisms, prolactin has importance in reproduction, paternal care, and the transport of liquid and electrolytes through the intestinal mucosa and regulates the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems. However, men are very sensitive to its activity, and even its slightly excessive concentration in blood may lead to multiple adverse effects.

High prolactin symptoms (most common to the rarest order):

- lowered sex drive

- erectile dysfunction

- irritability

- anxiety

- depression

- sensitive nipples

- increased fat storage

- acne

- lowered testosterone

- breasts milk (in men, that's right)

- headaches

- fertility problems

- abnormal lack of body and facial hair

- insulin resistance

Low prolactin symptoms (most common to the rarest order):

- none

- low empathy

- high dopamine-correlated side effects (e.g., a tendency to addictions or excessive risk-taking)

- worsened state of being

- lowered sex drive

- moderate metabolic disturbances

A single symptom must not indicate either increased or lowered prolactin. Nonetheless, 3 or more symptoms should lead you to take blood tests, verify its level, and react accordingly.

Prolactin levels can raise due to:

- intake of diverse AAS (e.g., Deca Durabolin)

- prolonged fatigue

- chronic stress

- alcohol abuse (especially beer)

- high estrogen

- obesity

- ejaculation (up to 48h after ejaculation, though your body will regulate its level on its own after this time. Nevertheless, that is why it is necessary to avoid sexual activity 2-3 days before completing blood work)

- several foods, including excessive intake of oats, barley (beer therefore) or even brown rice and fennel

- certain medications, including SSRIs

- disturbed functioning of the pituitary gland (e.g., disease named prolactinoma)

- disturbed thyroid gland functions (i.a., if FT4 is high, prolactin may be heightened too)

- disturbed functions of dopamine receptors

- pregnancy/breastfeeding (in women, obviously, though high prolactin may trigger lactation in men)

Prolactin is being regulated by:

- dopamine (antagonist of prolactin)

- DHEA

and excessively downregulated by:

- sleep deprivation

Prolactin levels can be lowered by taking supplements like:

- DHEA

- high doses of B6

- high doses of zinc

- Mucuna Pruriens

- high ginseng doses

- uridine

- Ginkgo Biloba

- adaptogens indirectly (e.g., aswagandha, rhodiola rosea)

foods like:

garlic, meat (all kinds, though best to avoid cheap chicken and fish meat) or spinach (ecdysterone can be useful)

drugs like:

- cabaser

- dostinex

- bromocorn

- bromergon

- parlodel