Prolactin - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in both men and women, but it’s most commonly associated with women, playing a vital role in lactation after childbirth. It stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Its levels typically increase during pregnancy and peak after delivery to establish and maintain milk production for breastfeeding.

Key Takeaways

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and it plays a vital role in the process of lactation during motherhood. After childbirth, the high levels of prolactin promote the production of breast milk.
Even though prolactin is primarily associated with lactation, it also has other functional roles. For instance, it contributes to the regulation of the immune system and behavior. It also plays a role in metabolism, regulating pancreatic development and function.
The amount of prolactin produced can be influenced by several factors such as stress, sleep, and certain types of medication. Furthermore, the levels of this hormone usually increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding but they can also be high due to certain medical conditions like prolactinoma.

Importance

Prolactin is a crucial hormone for mothers because it plays a significant role in lactation, which facilitates breastfeeding.

Produced by the pituitary gland, the level of prolactin noticeably rises during pregnancy, leading to the growth of the mammary glands in the breasts and preparing them for milk production.

After childbirth, it stimulates these glands to produce breast milk and maintain its supply, directly influencing a mother’s ability to nurse.

Additionally, prolactin also supports maternal behavior and bonding with the newborn.

Thus, due to its multifaceted role, the term prolactin is extremely important when discussing motherhood.

Explanation

Prolactin, an essential hormone, shines its most pivotal role in motherhood where it serves as the main player in milk production after childbirth. It is secreted by the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, in response to breastfeeding, facilitating lactation for the new mother to feed her newborn.

This hormone not only enables the production but also the release of breast milk, ensuring that infants receive the necessary nourishment they need to grow and develop correctly during their initial critical months. In addition to this, the purpose and use of prolactin is observed in its capacity to forge a strong mother-infant bond.

High prolactin levels in the breastfeeding period often contribute to the feelings of tranquility and relaxation in mothers, which are associated with nurturing behaviors and emotional bonding with the baby. Beyond breastfeeding, prolactin also regulates metabolism, immune function, and fluid balance, further proving it to be multi-faceted in its roles.

Examples of Prolactin

Breastfeeding: Prolactin plays an essential role in lactation in mammals including humans. When a baby latches onto its mother’s breast, it stimulates the release of prolactin, which in turn helps maintain and enhance milk production. This real life example shows how prolactin is crucial for the nourishment and growth of newborns.

Infertility Treatment: In some women with fertility problems, medical professionals might discover that these females have excessively high levels of prolactin, which can inhibit ovulation and thus lead to difficulties in conceiving. Normalizing prolactin levels through various treatment modalities is one of the strategies used in modern reproductive medicine to boost fertility.

Postpartum Mood Disorders: There’s ongoing research suggesting that there could be a correlation between prolactin levels and postpartum mood disorders. Some studies suggest that women with lower levels of prolactin might be more prone to conditions like postpartum depression. Hence, understanding the role of prolactin could potentially help improves strategies for managing and preventing such disorders.

Prolactin and Motherhood FAQ

What is prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone that plays a role in a variety of different functions but is primarily known for stimulating breast milk production in women following the delivery of a baby.

When does the production of prolactin start during pregnancy?

Prolactin levels increase throughout pregnancy, but the hormone largely remains inactive due to the presence of progesterone and estrogen until after birth. Following delivery, the drop in these other hormones allows prolactin to begin stimulating milk production.

Can prolactin affect fertility?

High levels of prolactin in non-pregnant women can inhibit the release of FSH and LH, the hormones required for ovulation, which can lead to fertility issues. If you’re struggling to conceive and suspect high prolactin levels may be contributing to your fertility issues, contact your doctor for a consultation.

What causes high prolactin levels?

High levels of prolactin, also known as hyperprolactinemia, can be caused by several factors, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, and certain medications. More rarely, high levels can be caused by damage to the pituitary gland or the presence of a non-cancerous pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma.

How can high prolactin levels be managed?

Treatment for high prolactin levels often depends on the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider might recommend changing a medication that’s causing the increase, or they might prescribe drugs known as dopamine agonists to lower prolactin levels. In some cases, surgery might be needed to remove a pituitary tumor.