How to Reduce Prolactin Naturally?
Suffering from symptoms of high prolactin? Learn about some effective ways to reduce the prolactin level naturally and how to balance hormones.
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Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Prolactin is a hormone that mainly helps with milk production in women after childbirth by stimulating the breast mammary glands. It is produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Though the prolactin levels in men are typically low, it can control the testosterone levels if they become too high. Additionally, prolactin also helps to regulate the immune system, influences reproductive health and controls metabolism in both men and women. Its imbalance can lead to fertility issues, decreased libido, irregular periods in women, etc. So, it is important to maintain a proper prolactin level.
Causes of Elevated Prolactin Levels
An elevation in the prolactin level happens for pathological and non-pathological reasons. The causes that are not related to disease or illness (non-pathological) are –
Pregnancy – During this phase, prolactin levels naturally rise to prepare the body for breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding – Prolactin increases at this time to help produce milk.
Medications – Antipsychotics, antidepressants or birth control pills can raise the prolactin level.
Stress and exercise – Rigorous physical activity and stress lead to a short-term increase in prolactin levels.
Sleep – Prolactin levels naturally rise during sleep, especially in deep sleep.
Otherwise, several pathological (disease-related) causes raise the prolactin levels. Examples are-
Pituitary tumours (Prolactinomas)
Chronic kidney disease
Hypothyroidism.
Chest wall injury or surgery
Liver disease
Other pituitary disorders
Symptoms and Effects of High Prolactin Levels
High prolactin levels can lead to many symptoms and effects that can affect the lives of both men and women. However, detecting these symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment on time is essential. Some physical symptoms are –
Irregular or absent periods in women lead to difficulty in conceiving.
Infertility in both men and women as it interferes with ovulation in women and lowers testosterone production in men.
Galactorrhoea can occur in both men and women.
Erectile dysfunction in men.
Breast tenderness.
Headaches and vision problems.
Loss in bone density increases the risk of fractures.
Natural Ways to Reduce Prolactin Levels
It is always wise to adopt natural remedies to reduce high prolactin levels as they have fewer or almost no side effects compared to medicines. By making some lifestyle changes and maintaining a balanced diet, one can regulate the hormones, including the prolactin levels, without any pharmaceutical intervention.
Some dietary adjustments to reduce the high prolactin levels naturally are –
Increase vitamin B6 intake – Vitamin B6 helps in regulating prolactin levels. Bananas, potatoes, spinach, etc., can be helpful.
Limit dairy intake – Consuming excessive dairy foods can raise prolactin levels in some people. Avoiding milk and cheese will help.
Consume zinc-rich foods – Zinc helps to maintain the hormone levels and, so, can regulate prolactin. Cashews, chickpeas and lean meats may help.
Consume tyrosine-rich foods – Tyrosine boosts dopamine, which controls prolactin secretion. Eggs, soy, legumes, lean meat, etc., promote dopamine production.
Consume less sugar and refined carbs – These cause an imbalance in blood pressure, leading to increased prolactin production. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits will help.
Changes needed in lifestyle to reduce prolactin are –
Regular exercise
Managing stress
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting caffeine
Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Getting quality sleep
Several herbal remedies are there that can lower prolactin levels. However, a healthcare provider must be consulted before using these, especially when the patient is on medication. Some commonly used herbs to regulate prolactin are –
Ashwagandha – This helps to reduce stress and balance the cortisol level, which indirectly regulates prolactin.
Holy basil (Tulsi) – Its stress-relieving property helps to balance prolactin levels.
Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry) – It acts on the pituitary gland and reduces excess prolactin levels. This herb mainly helps to cure menstrual irregularities and infertility.
Importance of Sleep and Stress Management
Sleep is crucial to regulating prolactin levels as sleep maintains hormonal balance. Body’s internal clock works alongside different stages of sleep and manages the production and function of hormones. Here is an overview.
During the first few hours of deep sleep, the growth hormone is primarily secreted. It supports muscle growth, tissue repair and other cellular functions.
Poor or irregular sleep can lead to elevated cortisol levels, affecting the hormones, including prolactin.
Inadequate sleep can reduce insulin sensitivity, causing high blood sugar, which may lead to hormonal imbalance.
Sleep deprivation can also affect the thyroid function, which may affect the hormones.
Less sleep can also lower the oestrogen and progesterone levels, affecting the reproductive activities.
Reducing stress is extremely important to control prolactin levels. Some techniques are-
Deep breathing exercises
Yoga and Tai-Chi
Meditation
Aromatherapy
Laughing and fun activities
Consult Top Endocrinologist
Exercise and Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
Proper exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential to regulate the high prolactin levels naturally, as this practice helps to control the hormones in the body. However, too much exercising or overexertion may have a negative effect. Some patterns of exercises that may help are –
Regular stretching exercises, mainly in the morning or before going to bed.
Aerobic exercise (cardio) includes walking, jogging, swimming, etc.
Strength training, like lifting weights or engaging in resistance.
By making regular physical activity a part of the daily routine, one can naturally reduce and regulate prolactin levels along with other hormones. It can also help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, manage weight, reduce anxiety, boost the mood and enhance blood circulation. So, being active is essential for a person to lead a healthy life.
Monitoring and Consultation
If the symptoms of high prolactin go out of control and cannot be cured in natural ways, then a consultation with a doctor becomes necessary. Some symptoms that can be alarming, indicating the need for medical help, are –
Irregular or absent menses in women.
Unexplained milk production even when there is no pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Difficulty conceiving.
Erectile dysfunction or decreased libido.
Unusual fatigue or mood changes.
Unbearable headaches or vision problems.
If there is a possibility of high prolactin levels, the doctor will recommend some tests or imaging studies to diagnose the condition. Generally, the tests recommended are –
Prolactin test (a form of blood test)
Thyroid function tests
Dopamine agonist test
Pregnancy test
Renal and liver function test
MRI or CT scan
Visual field testing
Integrating Natural Methods with Medical Advice
A holistic approach to manage high prolactin levels is combining natural remedies with prescribed treatments. However, it is essential to consult the treating physician before incorporating any natural remedy, as only a doctor can guide properly.
For example, herbs like Vitex can influence hormone levels and interact with medicines. Hence, it can cause side effects if taken with a medicine. In such cases, the doctor may need to adjust the dose of the prescribed medications. Constant monitoring of the health condition, proper communication with the doctor on time, and careful selection of natural remedies will help control prolactin without any complications.
Conclusion
High prolactin levels can be reduced naturally by adopting a healthy lifestyle, making dietary changes and using natural remedies. However, in severe cases, medical supervision becomes essential. Under such conditions, it becomes crucial to work closely with the treating doctor to ensure that the natural remedies used do not interact with the prescribed medications and cause side effects. Still, managing high prolactin levels naturally is possible under standard conditions, but it requires patience as the process is time-consuming.
Consult Top Endocrinologist
Consult Top Endocrinologist
Dr. Nithin Reddy Modhugu
Endocrinologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Dr. Nithin's Endocrine Clinic, Hyderabad
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Gayatri S
Endocrinologist
4 Years • Suggested Qualifictaion- MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Nellore
Narayana hospital, Nellore
Dr. Shiva Madan
Endocrinologist
10 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Bikaner
Sushma diabetes and Endocrine center, Bikaner
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Venkata Rakesh Chintala
Endocrinologist
8 Years • MBBS,MD( GEN MEDICINE), DM ( ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Krishna district
Sanjeevani Hospital, Krishna district
Dr. M.a. Mujeeb Afzal
Endocrinologist
13 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Premier Hospital, Hyderabad
Consult Top Endocrinologist
Dr. Nithin Reddy Modhugu
Endocrinologist
6 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Dr. Nithin's Endocrine Clinic, Hyderabad
(100+ Patients)
Dr. Gayatri S
Endocrinologist
4 Years • Suggested Qualifictaion- MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DM (ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Nellore
Narayana hospital, Nellore
Dr. Shiva Madan
Endocrinologist
10 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Bikaner
Sushma diabetes and Endocrine center, Bikaner
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Venkata Rakesh Chintala
Endocrinologist
8 Years • MBBS,MD( GEN MEDICINE), DM ( ENDOCRINOLOGY)
Krishna district
Sanjeevani Hospital, Krishna district
Dr. M.a. Mujeeb Afzal
Endocrinologist
13 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine) , DM (Endocrinology)
Hyderabad
Premier Hospital, Hyderabad
