Advisory

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone that is produced in the anterior part of the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. This hormone plays a key role in the reproductive health of both genders. In women, it stimulates breast tissue growth and milk production. In men, high levels of prolactin can lead to issues with fertility and sexual function.

From a nutritional standpoint, it is important to note that some foods and dietary supplements can affect prolactin levels in the body. For instance, some studies suggest that a high protein intake may reduce prolactin levels. Conversely, certain herbs and supplements, such as hops or vitex, can stimulate prolactin production. It is important to consult a doctor before making any dietary changes or taking supplements, especially if you have prolactin level issues.

Hello,
what dietary supplements would you recommend to a female vegetarian to reduce the prolactin levels in her blood? High levels have been identified in her laboratory tests. She has a very irregular and prolonged menstrual cycle, which she would like to regulate. So far, I have recommended chaste tree, maca, and ginkgo biloba. Is this the right choice? Is it advantageous to combine them, or should they be taken separately? And does it make sense to try to influence the condition by increasing soy in the diet, for example?
Thank you very much for your response.

Hormonal regulation disorders are difficult to address through dietary adjustments and supplementation. There are situations where they can be significantly helpful, but without determining the root cause of the problem, the likelihood of success is greatly reduced. Increased production of prolactin can also be caused by stress or fasting. It often happens with vegetarians who do not monitor the nutritional values of their diet that they find themselves in a significant energy deficit, which could be related.

However, consider this a theoretical speculation because increased prolactin levels are also influenced by contraceptives, psychopharmaceuticals, antihypertensives, and occur with pituitary dysfunction or certain tumor diseases.

Increased consumption of soy boosts the intake of phytoestrogens - if the condition were due to increased estrogen production, a higher intake of phytoestrogens could act anti-estrogenically. On the other hand, it is generally true that vegetarians have a relatively sufficient intake of phytoestrogens compared to the omnivorous population. Supplementation with vitex makes sense; you won't harm with the other mentioned supplements.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Nutrition educator, lecturer, and author of the educational system and the ZOF learning application.

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.

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