Posted by angelrose on November 23, 2000, at 18:10:01
In reply to Re: Does Galactorrhea cause weight gain? » angelrose, posted by SLS on November 22, 2000, at 19:50:27
> Hi Angelrose.
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> I don't think your difficulty losing weight while taking antidepressants (not specified) is due to elevated levels of prolactin. There are quite a few mechanisms by which the various psychotropic drugs can cause weight-gain and increase appetite. Some silly boy posted the results of his literature search in a previous thread. Perhaps it will answer your question.
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> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001115/msgs/48889.html
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>
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> FYI:
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> You may be confusing galactorrhea with hyperprolactinemia. One can have elevated levels of prolactin without having it produce galactorrhea. Galactorrhea is an excessive flow of milk from the breasts during lactation or spontaneous milk flow not associated with childbirth or the nursing of an infant.
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> Elevated levels of prolactin can contribute to weight gain.
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> The older neuroleptic antipsychotics (Haldol, Thorazine, Sulpiride, etc.) are the most notorious for substantially elevating prolactin levels due to their blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland. Tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants can elevate prolactin also, the tricyclics perhaps more so. Hyperprolactinemia can be associated with weight gain. It upsets the endocrine balance and can lead to a reduction in the secretion of sex hormones. Decreased gonadal steroid secretion can cause weight-gain. Testosterone, which is also secreted by the adrenal glands in both men and women, promotes the burning of fat and increases metabolism. With lower levels of testosterone comes reduced metabolism and increased body weight. Decreased levels of estrogen may cause overeating and cravings. Prolactin can also reduce insulin sensitivity, leading to more blood sugar being stored as fat.
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> An underappreciated possible side effect of the SSRIs is mammoplasia; breast enlargement due to cell division. The exact reason of this is unclear. Effexor does not seem to do this.
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> I am really not too sure how estrogen and estrogen/androgen balance works in this context. Oh well...
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>
> - Scott
poster:angelrose
thread:49179
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001115/msgs/49309.html