Prolactin Levels Explained: How Elevated Levels Disrupt Ovulation and Fertility

If your cycles are irregular, ovulation is inconsistent, or something just feels off — prolactin may be a missing piece.In this episode of the Love & Science podcast, we break down prolactin, a hormone that is often misunderstood, sometimes overtested, and sometimes completely overlooked in fertility care.While prolactin plays an important role in pregnancy and lactation, elevated levels can disrupt ovulation, impact hormone signaling, and ultimately affect fertility outcomes in both women and men.We cover: • What prolactin is and how it functions in the body • How elevated prolactin disrupts ovulation and hormone signaling • The connection between prolactin, GnRH, and reproductive function • When prolactin should actually be tested (and when it shouldn’t) • Why false elevations are common — and how to test correctly • Symptoms to watch for (including headaches, galactorrhea, and cycle changes) • When to evaluate for a pituitary adenoma (and why imaging matters) • How prolactin impacts male fertility and testosterone • Treatment options and when normalization can restore fertilityThis episode is especially important if you’ve been told everything looks “normal,” but ovulation still isn’t happening consistently — or if you’re navigating unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Support the showAs always, please keep in mind that this is my perspective and nothing in this podcast is medical advice.If you found this conversation valuable, book a consult call with me using this link:https://www.loveandsciencefertility.com/private-fertility-consultFollow us on social media:IG: www.instagram.com/loveandsciencefertilityFB: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553692167183Please don’t let infertility have the final word. We are here to take the burden from you so that you can achieve your goal of building your family with confidence and compassion. I’m rooting for you always.In Gratitude,Dr. Erica Bove