Prolactin (PRL)
Anterior Pituitary, Growth Hormone and Prolactin
Prolactin (PRL)
Prolactin is a pituitary protein hormone best known for supporting milk production. It also influences reproductive regulation and has additional tissue-specific actions.
A distinctive control system
Hypothalamic dopamine normally inhibits secretion. Suckling-related pathways and reproductive hormonal changes modify this restraint and support lactational function.
Effects depend on context
High prolactin in lactation is physiological. Persistent elevation outside the appropriate context can suppress reproductive axis activity and contribute to symptoms.
Interpreting a result
Pregnancy, medicines, hypothyroidism, sampling stress, renal dysfunction and macroprolactin can affect the assessment. A raised concentration should therefore be interpreted through the relevant cause and symptoms rather than immediately labeled a prolactinoma.
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