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 child birth. 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 un-associated with child birth
- 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
- Increased risk of miscarriage
Causes of high prolactin:
- Noncancerous 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:
Newbouldia laevis – (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.
Vitex angus-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 anovulatory cycle, vaginal dryness and
depression. It also promotes 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 Spondias mombin( 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.
Diodia scandens (ekwu eme- 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 oversupply 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.
Stachytarpheta indica (iru alangbe-Yoruba; odu ngwele-Igbo; tsarkiyar kusu-
Hausa) – this simple herb has helped many women. For better results add equal
quantity of Ocimum gratissimum (nchuanwu-Igbo; effirin-Yoruba; daidoya ta gida-
Hausa). Take as an infusion, 1 teacup 2-3 x daily for a minimum of 3 months. This
will relieve pains- breast pain, back pain, headaches; scanty periods and even help
you conceive.
Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean, agbara-Igbo, werepe-Yoruba) – this herb popularly
used to boost bloods 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 help in naturally lowering prolactin levels. You need about 30 mg’s 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): 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 overstimulate your nipples
- Reducing alcohol, foods, spices, and avoiding eating anything that can raise your prolactin levels.
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