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html Hypothyroidism and renal insufficiency are not uncommon in autoimmune disorders, and both conditions are associated with hyperprolactinemia. hyperresponsiveness to metoclopramide stimulation associated with pituitary microadenomas The secretion of pituitary prolactin is under the inhibitory control of the hypothalamus, and the most important inhibiting factor is dopamine. Dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine cause a sharp drop in prolactin levels in normal individuals and in the presence of prolactin-secreting adenomas The non-cycling secretion of abnormally high concentrations of prolactin stimulates autoimmune responses The link between microadenomas, hypothalamic function, and autoimmunity offers a rich field in which to explore the effects of dopamine and the hypothalamus on the immune system.

According to Oregon State University's Micronutrient Information Center, several studies point out a link between vitamin B6 deficiency and hyperprolactinemia. Consider eating more foods containing vitamin B6, such as potatoes, bananas, wild salmon, chicken and spinach. Also, according to a study published in "The Lancet," supplementation with zinc decreased prolactin levels in the participants. Foods high in zinc include shellfish, beef, turkey and beans. Consulting your doctor before making any major dietary changes or taking nutritional supplements is advised. According to Hudson, the most effective herb at lowering prolactin is chaste tree, also known by the botanical name Vitex agnus castus. Chaste tree is probably best known for its hormone-balancing effects and has been used at least since the days of ancient Greece for the treatment of various menstrual disorders. Chaste tree binds to dopamine receptors and prevents the release of prolactin from the pituitary. Hudson warns that it usually takes three or four months for chaste tree to have an effect, so it is best to wait six months before retesting prolactin levels. Before taking any herbal medicine, it is best to consult with a holistic physician, who can recommend appropriate dosages. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/206010-natural-ways-to-lower-prolactin/#ixzz2ljFkCy6n

http://pathology.jhu.edu/hypophysitis/pdf/517_2007_Orbach.pdf http://www.actabiomedica.it/data/2007/supp_1_2007/chuang.pdf

ProlaClear contains: Chaste Berry The chaste berry comes from the chaste tree. It has been used for several thousands of years to treat female disorders connected to hormone imbalances and the menstrual cycle. It is a very important herb for promoting uterine health because it helps to stimulate and stabilize how the pituitary gland functions. This is important because it is the pituitary glands that release prolactin. Stabilizing these glands can reduce overproduction of this hormone. It also helps the body fix any hormonal imbalances. In part, the chaste berry does this by sending the message to the brain to produce more luteinizing hormone

(LH). The LH is responsible for telling the ovary when to release the egg from the follicle. The herb has also been shown to lower prolactin and increase LH production which regulates ovulation, increasing the chances of conceiving. Sage Sage is another fabulous herb that has been used for many centuries. It is often recommended to reduce an oversupply of breast milk and engorgement while weaning the baby, and reducing prolactin. Volatile organic oils such as thujone, borneol and cineole are found in sage, all of which are known to decrease the supply of breast milk by acting directly on hormone receptors. While cooking with the herb is not likely to help decrease the supply of breast milk, it can help when used in medicinal quantities.

Sage contains rosmarinic acid, which helps to reduce the chance of inflammation. It is a powerful antioxidant, and can protect and heal cells. It helps to regulate your menstrual cycle, increasing your chances of conceiving. Sage can aid digestion, which may help your liver stay healthier. Parsley In addition to being widely used in cooking and as a garnish, parsley has many health benefits that can help to lower prolactin levels and help you conceive. It supplies a great source of luteolin (an antioxidant), folic acid, and vitamins A and C. Other health benefits of parsley include antiinflammatory properties and boosting the immune system. Although parsley can help prepare your body for pregnancy. Dong Quai Dong Quai root has been shown to help balance hormones, reduce pain and improve blood circulation in the reproductive organs. You already know how important good circulation is to the uterus, and that is one of the reasons why this herb was included in the formula. For thousands of years this root has been used as a spice, a tonic, and as a medical treatment. By combining Dong Quai with the other herbs, it becomes a powerful healing agent for many female reproductive problems and hormonal imbalances. White Peony The white peony is in the tea family. The most prominent use for the root of the plant is in the treatment of female gynecological disorders associated with irregular cycles and infertility. For many centuries it has been used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding and vaginal discharges, as well as to prevent miscarriages. Other uses of the white peony include regulating the digestive system, aiding in bowel movements, and the treatment of irritated bowel syndrome. White peony has been proven to boost the immune system, lower blood pressure and balance hormone production. Rhodiola Rosea Known for its ability to balance hormones, which increases the chances of conceiving. The use of rhodiola rosea can be traced back as far as 77 A.D. The powerful herb was mentioned in the writings of Greek physician, Dioscorides. Which means it was probably used long before then. The herb is known to reduce or reverse the effects of aging, and to increase resistance to physical and mental stress. Research has shown that the plant was used extensively by the Vikings and Siberians to increase physical strength and endurance, boost their resistance to cold and disease, and to enhance fertility and longevity. Peppermint Peppermint is commonly used to treat colds, coughs, inflammation in the throat and mouth, respiratory infections, and sinus infections. It also relieves heartburn, morning sickness, nausea, and digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomach, diarrhea, and

excess bacterial growth in the small intestine. Peppermint is also effective for treating menstrual problems, and improving liver and gallbladder functions.

http://ard.bmj.com/content/62/5/487.full http://www.actabiomedica.it/data/2007/supp_1_2007/chuang.pdf

PRL and human autoimmune diseases Studies of patients with hyperprolactinemia of various etiologies have suggested an increased rate of autoantibodies (including antithyroid, anti-dsDNA, anti-ro, anticardiolipin, and antinuclear antibodies (ANA)) without clinical evidence of autoimmune disease (28-30). Conversely, elevated levels of prolactin have been found in patients with SLE, RA, psoriatic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Reiters syndrome, primary Sjgrens syndrome, psoriasis, and uveitis (18, 30 -33), leading to hypothesized causal relationships and a possible therapeutic target. Despite being known primarily as a lactogenic hormone, PRL is in fact also an immunomodulatory hormone. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating an intriguing link between PRL and autoimmune diseases in humans. At present, the best evidence for a relationship between PRL levels and disease activity exists for SLE, but it may also exist in RA, Reiters syndrome, psoriasis, and other yet unstudied conditions. Interestingly, it is possible that differences in peripheral or lymphocyte, rather than pituitary production of PRL may worsen disease activity in certain patients. Of the currently available prolactin-lowering drugs, bromocriptine at least has been shown to decrease both peripheral and pituitary PRL production and may represent a useful adjunctive therapy in certain patients, particularly those with refractory disease. More studies are warranted in order to examine the potential causal relationship between PRL and human autoimmune disease and to determine the usefulness of dopamine agonists as adjunctive therapy in the management of these often debilitating disorders.

http://pathology.jhu.edu/hypophysitis/pdf/517_2007_Orbach.pdf PRL enhances immunoglobulin production [8], which may contribute to increased autoreactivity. A variety of autoantibodies was observed in patients with hyperprolactinemia including antibodies to PRL, endothelial cells, cardiolipin, 2GPI [9], Ro and La. In SLE patients PRL may have effect on autoantibody production