Prolactin levels and weight loss
Dear Donovan,
I hope you will be able to assist me with this concern. My prolactin levels are extremely high and as a result, I have put on a lot of weight. I was advised that one of the best ways to control my weight is to keep the prolactin levels down by being on medication.
However, I was wondering how else I could lose the weight (of course, in addition to keeping my prolactin at the required levels). Are there any special foods I should be eating or omitting from my diet?
I look forward to your response.
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the breasts to produce milk, and it has other functions such as the regulation of moods. Prolactin levels are usually high during pregnancy and after childbirth. A mother’s prolactin levels usually come down to normal a few weeks after breastfeeding is discontinued.
Although prolactin is necessary for the production of breast milk, it also affects adipose tissue (fatty tissue) and the body’s metabolism. Studies have shown that an increased level of prolactin in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding can reduce the metabolism of fat which can result in weight gain. In addition to this, stress and some medications can lead to an increased level of prolactin in the blood.
Increased levels of prolactin have also been associated with menstrual problems and infertility.
I’m sorry to say that many persons with high levels of prolactin have found it difficult to lose weight by simply dieting and exercising. You will need to get your prolactin levels under control. You will also need to speak to your endocrinologist who will work out the best protocol for you to get your prolactin levels reduced. In some cases, you can be medicated or even have the tumour (prolactinoma) removed. Once you have gotten your prolactin levels reduced, you can then start your weight loss programme with diet and exercise.
I wish you had given me more details about your eating habits and whether you are currently doing exercise. But that aside, you will now have to start your weight loss programme.
The foundation of any weight loss programme is that the number of calories will have to be reduced through diet and exercise. In terms of your food intake, you will either need to reduce your portions or eliminate certain foods from your diet.
On a weight loss programme, you want your body to get most of its energy from fat rather than carbohydrates. In fact, what you want your body to do is to feed on its fat stores. In order for your body to start doing this, your carbohydrate intake will have to be restricted, however, still leaving enough to form glucose for your brain. In terms of your carbohydrates, you can either reduce or eliminate some foods from your diet, for example, flour, biscuit, rice, soda and pastries. These can be substituted with either ground provisions, steamed vegetables, vegetable juices or fruits, although it’s always best to eat the fruits rather than drink the fruit juices.
Try to reduce the amount of fatty and oily foods in your diet. Your overall aim is to be healthy and reduce your calorie intake. As such, you need to start or increase your exercise programme. If you are just starting your exercise programme, it is best to start slowly at first and then gradually increase as you go along.
