Prostaglandins: What They Do, How They Affect Your Body, and Why They Matter

When you get a headache, a sprained ankle, or cramps during your period, prostaglandins, hormone-like compounds made by your body’s cells to trigger local responses. Also known as local hormones, they aren’t released into your bloodstream like insulin or thyroid hormone—they act right where they’re made, turning up the volume on pain, swelling, and fever. These compounds are your body’s alarm system, signaling damage or infection in real time. But they don’t just cause trouble—they’re also essential for protecting your stomach lining, regulating blood flow to your kidneys, and even helping labor begin.

Prostaglandins are made from fatty acids, especially arachidonic acid, and your body churns them out on demand. When you cut your finger, prostaglandins rush to the site, making blood vessels widen and nerves more sensitive. That’s why the area gets red, hot, and throbs. The same process happens inside your uterus during menstruation, which is why some people get severe cramps. In the brain, they raise your internal thermostat, causing fever when you’re sick. And here’s the twist: while they help healing, too many prostaglandins mean too much pain. That’s where NSAIDs, a class of drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen that block prostaglandin production. Also known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, they are the reason you can take a pill and feel better within an hour. But they’re not magic—blocking prostaglandins everywhere can cause stomach ulcers or kidney issues, which is why long-term use needs care.

Prostaglandins also show up in unexpected places. They’re involved in how your eyes regulate pressure, which is why some glaucoma meds work by mimicking them. They help your arteries stay flexible and your blood platelets stick together—so if you’re on blood thinners, your doctor might be watching how prostaglandins interact. Even your lungs rely on them: some asthma meds target prostaglandin pathways to open airways. And in medicine, synthetic versions are used to induce labor, treat erectile dysfunction, and even keep newborns’ heart ducts open until surgery.

What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a practical map of how prostaglandins connect to real-world health issues. You’ll see how they link to painkillers, why some meds stop working over time, how they play a role in chronic conditions like COPD, and why drug interactions matter when you’re managing multiple prescriptions. These posts don’t just explain science—they show you how to use that knowledge to make smarter choices about your health, whether you’re dealing with everyday aches or managing a long-term condition.