My Milkshake Doesn't Bring Ovulation To the Yard.

And now that song is in your head. And I’m not even sure Kelis is even talking about her breasts but… we’ll go with it. Today we’re talking about prolactin, a hormone meant to stimulate milk production, and how, in some women, it can block ovulation even when you’re not lactating.

Prolactin is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates breast growth and milk production during pregnancy and after giving birth. ​​​​​​​​

Hyperprolactinemia is when there are elevated levels of prolactin in the blood in individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. In men hyperprolactinemia can cause erectile dysfunction and low sex drive and in women it can cause anovulation. ​​​​​​​​

In women, high prolactin levels inhibit the secretion of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which stimulates the growth and development of a woman’s ovarian follicles as they mature. When FSH is suppressed, there is no ovulation.​​​​​​​​

Elevated prolactin levels are often caused by a benign tumor in the pituitary gland.

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In women, common signs and symptoms include: ​​​​​​​​

Breast milk production when not breastfeeding​​​​​​​​

Nipple discharge​​​​​​​​

Changes in vision​​​​​​​​

Headaches​​​​​​​​

Irregular menstrual periods
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Anovulation ​​​​​​​​

If you suspect that you may be affected by Hyperprolactinemia have your health care provider order labs for you, or you can order your own labs at www.modernfertility.com. ​​​​​​​​