CAN HIGH PROLACTIN LEVELS BE A CAUSE OF IMPOTENCE?

What is Prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland that has several ‘power house’ functions.  In women, increased levels of prolactin is required during lactation and stimulates the glands to produce milk.  Prolactin is also produced during sexual intercourse, and is responsible for the feeling gratification after sex.

Impotence is a condition in which males are unable to achieve or maintain an erection.  Medical research has determined that impotence in men is due in part to high prolactin levels in the blood stream. When the pituitary gland, located in the brain, over produces prolactin (Hyperprolactinemia), it can cause low sperm count and loss of libido in males.

Prolactin is vital for both men and women and is often overlooked.   Additonally, if a man has low testosterone, a prolactinoma (a brain tumor) can be the cause.  To diagnose that, a blood test and possibly a pituitary MRI is necessary.