prolactin

Prolactin is synthesized by Lactotrophs
which initiates milk production together with other mammary gland hormones.
Prolactin which was secreted by the adenohypophysis,
and is made up of 199 amino acids.


Prolactin variation in levels has many effects,
which its levels in the laboratory can esily be detected.
Vital reproduction and lactation can be affected
in newborn babies, males as well as females.


During pregnancy, prolactin levels rise
as the mother's love for the baby never dies.
rising estrogen promotes prolactin release,
causing further mammary glands maturity,
preparing them for lactation for the baby.


After childbirth, prolactin levels fall
but this is normal stimulation for all.
Sucking by the baby on the nipple promotes further prolactin release,
and maintaining the ability to lactate eventually ceases within one or two weeks.



High prolactin levels tend to suppress the ovulatory cycle
by inhibiting both FSH and GnRH.
Too much prolactin can cause galactorrhea
and disturbances in the ovulatory cycle and are often the result of a prolactinoma,
which is a non-cancerous swelling in the pituitary gland.


photo source: www.flickr.com
by krisdamato