Can elevated prolactin cause low testosterone?

If prolactin is elevated, we’ll need to rule out a prolactinoma which is a tumor of the pituitary gland that produces prolactin. A high prolactin causes LH to be suppressed which leads to low testosterone.

Does high prolactin affect testosterone?

Too much prolactin can reduce production of the hormones estrogen and testosterone, resulting in decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis.

What causes prolactin to be high in males?

This is why when prolactin levels in men are high, there are a number of potential causes such as medications, an underactive thyroid gland, or prolactinoma: a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland [1].

Does prolactin block testosterone?

Elevations in prolactin inhibit the pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, which blunts gonadal production of testosterone and may lead to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

What does high prolactin and low testosterone mean?

Men — When a high blood prolactin concentration interferes with the function of the testicles, the production of testosterone (the main male sex hormone), and sperm production. Low testosterone causes decreased energy, sex drive, muscle mass and strength, and blood count (anemia).

What does prolactin do to males?

How is high prolactin treated in men?

Doctors use drugs known as dopamine agonists to treat prolactinoma. These drugs mimic the effects of dopamine — the brain chemical that normally controls prolactin production. Commonly prescribed medications include bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel) and cabergoline.

Does prolactin cause erectile dysfunction?

Elevated levels of prolactin lead to an impairment of the pulsatile release of luteinizing hormone resulting in decreased serum testosterone secretion. This hypogonadism was generally accepted as the main cause of erectile dysfunction.

Can TRT reduce prolactin?

When TRT was quitted for 3 months, prolactin decreased to 93 ng/ml. Then TRT was started with selective aromatase-inhibitor anastrozole 1 mg/day. With cabergoline dosage decreased gradually to 3 mg/week, prolactin decreased to 18.8 ng/ml and t. testosterone was normal (300 ng/dl).