Of all the potential side effects connected to AAS use, decreased libido and sexual dysfunction are regarded as two of the most undesirable and for good reason. Not only do they interfere with one of man’s most prized activities. Although excess estrogen and testosterone deficiency are often responsible for these side effects, elevated prolactin, which has begun to afflict steroid users with increasing frequency, also deserves its share of the blame. When it comes to the latter, we can fairly point the finger at 19-Nors like Trenbolone and Nandrolone - two mainstays in the world of AAS.

Although steroids are the primary culprit when it comes to prolactin-induced side effects, certain Growth Hormone (GH) peptides also have the potential to increase prolactin levels, although to a much smaller extent than the aforementioned AAS. Generally speaking, the increase in prolactin witnessed with this class of supplementation is inconsequential, as levels do not rise high enough to cause problems. In fact, this effect is so mild that levels usually remain within a normal physiological range. However, when combined with other prolactin elevating drugs, they may add further fuel to the fire, giving cause for consideration. Lest anyone decide to shy away from GH peptides for this reason, when used alone - and often even when used with other prolactin elevating drugs - the benefits far outweigh the risks. It is only when one’s prolactin levels are already high that they increase the potential for side effects. Of the different GH peptides on the market today, only GHRP-6, GHRP-2, and Hexarelin are capable of increasing prolactin levels.

What Is Prolactin?
Most commonly referred to as the lactation hormone, prolactin is responsible for the production of breast milk in nursing mothers and also plays a critical role in the growth & development of the mammary glands. Despite its connotation with pregnancy, it is a diverse hormone, having influence over a large number of functions and being implicated in over 300 separate actions. When it comes to steroid users, most are interested in circumventing just two of these—the development of glandular tissue in the breast (gyno) and lactation.

However, prolactin also encourages bodyfat storage by directly increasing the production of a specific protein called lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Lipoprotein lipase plays an important role in fuel metabolism by hydrolyzing triglycerides from circulating plasma chylomicrons (chylomicrons are fat globules which transport dietary triglycerides from the small intestine into circulation) and other low-density lipoproteins, providing free fatty acids to adipose tissue for storage. The higher one’s LPL levels, the more likely one is to accumulate bodyfat. Prolactin has also been shown to increase estrogen receptor concentration within breast tissue, increasing one’s sensitivity to circulating estrogen and making the individual more susceptible to gynecomastia and other estrogenic side effects.

When reviewing the effects of elevated prolactin on the male body, it becomes readily apparent that it is in one’s best interest to keep this hormone under control. While some of the side effects associated with increased prolactin are readily recognizable, others, such as increased bodyfat and estrogen receptor proliferation, are frequently attributed to other causes or not recognized at all. Regardless of one’s awareness, excess prolactin will wreak hormonal havoc on the body, directly working against our bodybuilding goals while simultaneously initiating the development of female secondary sex characteristics. All bad—all preventable.

Choosing Your Medicine
Until recently, alleviating hyperprolactinemia (excess prolactin) involved the routine administration of one of various side effect-laden pharmaceutical preparations. In many cases, the accompanying side effects were worse than the primary condition one was trying to treat, negating the drug’s beneficial effects and leaving the you between a rock and a hard place. For years Bromocriptine was the go-to of defense when it came to lowering prolactin for dopamine agonists. It was effective, readily available, and reasonably priced, but many found the resultant side effects just too much to handle. But today, most will either use Cabergoline (Dostinex) or Pramipexole (Mirapex)

First Line Of Defense
When you're wanting to preventatively take action against prolactin, a Dopamine Agonist may not be the best choice to start with as they come with many unwanted sides and can be harsh drugs. You should always have a Dopamine Agonist on hand if you wish to take a 19-Nor, but if you wish to run something preventatively, you should start with some supplements.

Supplements To Help Control Prolactin:

PLEASE READ: Prolactin-Inhibiting Supplements Wiki Page

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride & P-5-P) - To lower prolactin levels it's recommend you take 50-200mg of P-5-P a day, in divided doses. If you want to take regular B6, which can sometimes cause minor side effects, take 300-1000 mg per day in divided doses.

Read the label before you buy B6 (if you choose not to get P-5-P), because the Pyridoxine Hydrochloride type of B6 (in most supplements) has been shown to be a prolactin inhibitor, but Pyridoxal Hydrochloride has been shown to be ineffective at lowering prolactin – make sure you buy the right type!

Vitamin B6 - Examine Page
Vitamin E - When using Vitamin E as a prolactin inhibitor, it's recommended that you take 300-400 IU per day of natural Vitamin E – this can be raised up to dosages such as 1000 IU for greater prolactin control, but be aware of the possible side effects outline here

Natural Vitamin E is labelled D-Alpha Tocopherol whereas synthetic is labeled DL-Alpha Tocopherol – the natural form works best. D-Alpha Tocopherol with mixed natural tocopherols or D-Alpha Tocopherol with mixed natural tocotrienols are the absolute best forms to take.

Vitamin E - Examine Page
SAM-e - Take 400-1200 mg a day of SAM-e along with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E. An added bonus is SAM-E's ability to detoxify the liver.

SAM-e - Examine Page
Other Effective Prolactin-Inhibiting Supplements

Remember, only use your Dopamine Agonist if blood work shows elevated levels or if your nipple(s) leak ON THEIR OWN. Do NOT squeeze your nips and force liquid out, even natural guys can do this, by doing this you will stimulate and cause an increase in prolactin.
DO NOT TOUCH YOUR NIPS.

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