Gluten Protein Alters Brain Prolactin
The following research study demonstrates one of the brain altering effects of gluten. In this case, a compound in gluten acts as an opioid chemical that leads to the excessive excretion of the neuro hormone, Prolactin.
Gluten exorphin B5 (GE-B5) is a food-derived opioid peptide identified in digests of wheat gluten. We have recently shown that GE-B5 stimulates prolactin (PRL) secretion…Since opioid peptides do not exert their effect on PRL secretion directly, but via a reduced dopaminergic tone, our data suggest that GE-B5 can modify brain neurotransmitter release without crossing the BBB.
Source:
Life Sci. 2005 Feb 25;76(15):1713-9. Epub 2004 Dec 20.
Aside from gluten exposure, abnormal elevations in prolactin can be caused by hypothyroid disease as well as excessive stress. Interestingly enough, we know that gluten can also cause hypothyroid disease. Additionally, many medications used to treat depression and other mental disorders can cause elevations in prolactin.
Symptoms of elevated prolactin are variable but can include:
- irregular menstrual cycles
- loss of libido
- infertility
- bone loss
- erectile dysfunction
In my personal clinical experience treating gluten sensitivity, I have seen numerous patients be able to stop taking medications such as cabergoline to reduce excessive prolactin levels after going on a TRUE gluten free diet. That being said, ruling out gluten sensitivity should be a primary concern for endocrinologists treating patients with hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin levels).
All the best,
Dr. Peter Osborne
Gluten Free Warrior Commentary
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Is there any way to make this article a little easier for those of us who didn’t go to medical school a bit easier to understand. Especially sense most of us Celiacs not only suffer from the leaky gut syndrome, but also the leaky brain as well. just makes me even more frustrated reading wordy articles like this. :/
A few years ago, back at the height of horrific migraines, I had an MRI to rule out a pituitary tumor due to elevated prolactin levels. This would explain it. Thanks, Doc.
Hali
P.S. I know there are health care professionals as well as laypeople reading your articles. I think you do a pretty good job of keeping it as simple as possible.
Sophia,
In a nutshell,
Gluten proteins are exerting a drug like affect on your brain’s ability to produce the hormone prolactin. This can contribute to the list of symptoms above.
Thanks for reading and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
Dr. Osborne
I, also, had elevated prolactin levels prior to Celiac diagnosis and I was, also, tested for a Pituitary Gland Tumor. Indeed, they found one but it is considered non-functional after they threw every hormone and vitamin test in the book at me. Apparently, PGT’s are fairly common. They, also, found a pineal gland cyst at the same time which I have read is fairly common, as well. They determined it was most likely the Reglan I was taking at the time for my gastroparesis (long term complication of Type 1 Diabetes) that was causing the elevated prolactin levels. I’m not so sure now!! The blessing in all that was that, of course, I didn’t have a functional PGT that required surgical removal but even MORE so the vitamin levels they tested for in the onslaught of blood tests were dangerously low and that is what tipped off my endocrinologist that I had Celiac! Thank God for THAT diagnosis…. and even though the elevated prolactin levels dragged the doctors around the bush a hundred times by the nose it finally was the ultimate reason I was diagnosed with the Celiac.
Could this also be linked to migraine? I found this interesting article after reading the above:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/5642q188446q51j2/
Christine,
You are absolutely right. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Osborne
Hi ,
I have just recently discovered that I have high prolactin levels .My level is 35 whereas the normal level lies between 3 and 29 . I am trying to lose weight and my dietician suggests that I take capgolin 0.5mg once a week for 4 weeks . I am not able to exactly understand that will this help ? And what exactly is required to be removed from my diet to keep the prolactin levels low ? Also is this level a matter of concern ?and do prolactin levels directly affect your weight necessarily ?
I have an 8mm Prolactinoma with a prolactin level of 85ng. I was just wondering if i went on a wheat free diet would this reduce my prolactin levels ? Would it be reasonable to try a wheat free diet first to at least see if the levels come down before taking the Cabergoline.
Do I need to be completely Gluten free or can i just remove wheat from my diet ?
Suzanna,
Please read the following article:
http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/gluten-protein-alters-brain-prolactin/
I have seen this problem resolve in multiple patients. I have seen patient get off of Cabergoline without problems.
All the best,
Dr. O
Dear Doctor,
I have had elevated prolactin levels for 7 years. I do not have a tumor. I suspect that gluten might be the cause because celiac disease is in my family. I have been on a gluten free diet for several months and was wondering how long would it take for my prolactin levels to go down to normal levels.
Hormone responses vary so it is hard to say. Depends on diet compliance – TRUE gluten free vs. traditional, nutritional status, presence of other allergens, etc.
I have seen the levels change within a few months.
All the best,
Dr. O
Hello,
Is it possible for the dysregulation of prolactin to cause a gluten sensitivity due to hormonal imbalances from hyperprolactineia disrupting the intestinal tract?
What is the mechanism as to how gluten raises prolactin levels?