In hypothyroidism, the thyroid fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones, and the levels of thyroxine (T4) and sometimes triiodothyronine (T3) are too low. Because of this, the body’s feedback mechanisms try to stimulate the thyroid gland by producing more thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH triggers the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the anterior pituitary gland. The action of TRH on the anterior pituitary gland also triggers the release of more prolactin, so prolactin levels increase with TRH levels and TSH levels in hypothyroidism. This does not happen in every case of hypothyroidism; however, it is worth testing for hypothyroidism as a possible cause of hyperprolactinemia.[1][2]
References
- ^Pirahanchi Y, Toro F, Jialal IPhysiology, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.StatPearls.(2024 Jan)
- ^Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Butnariu M, Batiha GEThe crucial role of prolactin-lactogenic hormone in Covid-19.Mol Cell Biochem.(2022-May)