I lurk on another list that has been discussing hyperprolactinemia in
relationship to infertility issues. Someone just posted this article from
WebMD [http://my.webmd.com/content/dmk/dmk_article_5461631], and since the
topic has also just come up on lactnet, I thought I would post in below the
pertinent quotes; I didn't know about the protein connection! -Lisa Marasco
BA IBCLC

Hyperprolactinemia

Fifteen to 25% of irregular ovulation is caused by secreting too much of the
hormone prolactin, which interferes with both ovulation and embryo
implantation in the uterus.

Prolactin is released from the pituitary gland and is responsible for breast
milk production. When levels are high, prolactin stops the pulsing of GnRH
from the hypothalamus, which interferes with the pituitary gland's release
of FSH and LH, interfering with estrogen and progesterone.

Normally, prolactin levels should be high only if you're pregnant or
nursing. Otherwise, high levels can be caused by emotional or physical
stress, exercise, nipple stimulation, or large intakes of protein (don't get
your prolactin levels tested after you've eaten a giant steak!). Surgery
around the rib cage can also raise prolactin levels. Drugs such as
amphetamines, tranquilizers, antidepressants, hallucinogens, and alcohol may
also be the culprit. If you have either PCO or an underactive thyroid gland
(hypothyroidism), you can also have hyperprolactinemia.

Thirty percent of the time, women who have too much prolactin will notice
milk in their breasts (called galactorrhea) or will notice milk when they
squeeze their nipples during a breast self-exam. Other symptoms might
include decreased vaginal secretions and irregular cycles. A woman may also
have light, irregular, short, or no periods.

Hyperprolactinemia can be detected by a simple blood test. At least two
blood tests will show high levels of prolactin. If the problem is caused by
food, you may need to fast before retesting. Often these blood tests are
followed up by a CAT scan to check for a possible benign pituitary tumor
(occurring in about 5% of all women who have hyperprolactinemia). In fact,
with chronically high levels of prolactin, a benign pituitary tumor known as
a microadenoma (small) or a macroadenoma (large) is often the cause.

The drug bromocriptine usually offsets prolactin secretion and shrinks any
tumors that exist. If a tumor is found, it can be surgically removed through
the nasal passage, but this procedure may not restore your fertility.
Radiation may also be used to shrink a pituitary tumor, but it's rare in
this case.

Copyright © 1998 by M. Sara Rosenthal. From The Fertility Sourcebook, by
arrangement with The RGA Publishing Group. The Fertility Sourcebook

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html