Men's Sexual Problems Linked to Low Prolactin Levels

This is an article from 2013 that I found very interesting regarding the impact of low prolactin on men.

A study involving nearly 3,000 European men aged 40 to 79 has revealed that low levels of the hormone prolactin are linked to sexual and psychological health issues in men. Traditionally, high prolactin levels have been associated with sexual dysfunction in men, but this research suggests that lower than average prolactin levels, even within the normal range, can also lead to problems. Here are the key findings:

• Sexual Health: Men with lower prolactin levels reported a decline in sexual function, particularly in the enjoyment of orgasm. They were more likely to experience worsening sexual function compared to those with higher prolactin levels12.
• Psychological Health: Low prolactin was associated with increased symptoms of depression. This suggests a broader impact on mental well-being beyond just sexual health12.
• Metabolic Health: Lower prolactin levels were linked to higher BMI, elevated blood sugar, and lower physical activity levels, indicating a connection with metabolic health12.
• Contrast with Traditional Views: The study contrasts with the common belief that high prolactin levels impair men's sexual functioning. Instead, it suggests that prolactin might have a positive role in initiating or maintaining male sexual behavior12.
• Supporting Research: Previous animal studies and brain imaging research in humans have shown that higher prolactin levels can enhance sexual behavior, supporting the new findings12.
• Unclear Mechanisms: While the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it proposes that low prolactin might reflect changes in brain signaling chemicals that regulate sexual behavior or could be a marker of overall poorer health12.

This research highlights the complex role of prolactin in men's health, suggesting that both high and low levels can have significant implications for sexual, psychological, and metabolic health.

"The results showed low prolactin was linked to several signs of poor sexual health, as well psychological health. Men with levels of prolactin that were lower than average, although still within the normal range, were more likely than men with higher levels to say their sexual function was getting worse, particularly their enjoyment of orgasm. They also had more symptoms of depression, the researchers said."



Men's Sexual Problems Linked to Low Prolactin Levels

 

Thank you for posting. Everything is about balance (most hormones cause issues if too low or too high. Those issues are worsened if other hormones that interact are also off balance)

Prolactin: Should Men with Erectile Dysfunction Be Tested ?

 

Ive tested @ 4.x a few times over the years which is on the low side, we purposely raised it with a drug to 11 something and nothing was better for me.

 

I was wondering if mine was on the high side even though I was in range. I've seen that Dr. Crisler recommends and optimal level of 2 - 3 ng/ml for prolactin and I have always floated between 8.5 - 11.5 ng/ml. LabCorp's range is 4.0 - 15.0 ng/ml. 20 years ago, prior to getting on TRT, my right nipple was sensitive and the right breast area was tender. My grandmother and mother both had breast cancer and although it is rare for a man to get breast cancer, it is possible. I had test and scans run, just to make sure, and there was nothing there. The doctor thought I might have just hit/bumped the area hard and bruised it. Those symptoms went away shortly and I have never experienced them again or any gyno type symptoms.

 

I was wondering if mine was on the high side even though I was in range. I've seen that Dr. Crisler recommends and optimal level of 2 - 3 ng/ml for prolactin and I have always floated between 8.5 - 11.5 ng/ml. LabCorp's range is 4.0 - 15.0 ng/ml. 20 years ago, prior to getting on TRT, my right nipple was sensitive and the right breast area was tender. My grandmother and mother both had breast cancer and although it is rare for a man to get breast cancer, it is possible. I had test and scans run, just to make sure, and there was nothing there. The doctor thought I might have just hit/bumped the area hard and bruised it. Those symptoms went away shortly and I have never experienced them again or any gyno type symptoms.

My doctor has expressed serious reservations about treating "elevated" prolactin until it begins climbing to the top of the reference range. She's told me that on a number of occasions men who, searching for enhanced sexual pleasure, suppressed prolactin levels via self-treatment and wound up impeding sexual function for some time. That's an anecdotal account, from one physician, but we do know that in this game too little of a hormone is frequently as problematic as too much of one.

 

Its on YT but a video with Dr C, et al.., he specifically names Shippen (and himself) to treat Prolactin @ 5, as memory serves. I tried some research Caber for a few weeks I don't know 25mg twice per week IIRC, and that didn't do anything for me either. Pharm caber could be different but in either way up or down Prolactin at the time wasn't a factor for me.

 

I found Dr. Crisler's thoughts on prolactin in chapter 5 of his book, Testosterone Replacement Therapy, A Recipe for Success.. He treats levels of 5 ng/ml with a dopamine agonist. I don't have any sexual dysfunction so I will not be treating my levels, He says that testing should be done in the fasting state in the morning. He says that eating and sex and can elevate prolactin and unsure how high levels can go while eating and having sex at the same time.

 

Ya it's generally recommended those get's less talk but as in a PSA blood test it's generally best to avoid sex/orgasm for 24-48hrs before the blood draw for PSA and/or Prolactin.