While discussing the role of prolactin in pregnancy, it is better to first understand what exactly prolactin is. Lactation is a process by which milk is secreted from mammary glands in order to feed the newborns, and prolactin is a hormone involved in the process of lactation. Adequate production of prolactin is required during the first few months to feed the newborn baby, as the baby is entirely dependent on mother's milk, during this time. So, the role of prolactin is extremely crucial during pregnancy and childbirth.
Mammary glands present in woman are responsible for producing milk. The prime role of prolactin is to stimulate these mammary glands in order to produce milk for the baby. Increase in serum concentrations are responsible for the enlargement of breasts during pregnancy along with the increase in the level of milk production. But, another hormone, progesterone, stops the ejection of milk from these mammary glands , when the baby is born. After childbirth, the levels of progesterone in the blood decrease, and thus the mother starts lactating.
Estrogen also plays an important role during pregnancy and is also responsible for the production of prolactin. When a woman becomes pregnant, there is a rise of estrogen in the body of the pregnant woman. This leads to the maturation of mammary glands and prepares them for future lactation. As soon as the baby is born, prolactin level in the blood decreases, due to the removal of the stimulation. However, the production of prolactin again increases when the baby starts sucking. Mechanorceptors that are present around the nipples, gets activated as the newborn stats sucking milk from the mother's breast.
Though the prime role of prolactin is to simulate the process of lactation, it plays another important role in the life of mother and her child. The act of breast feeding is responsible for establishing a strong bond between the mother and the child, which is very important
Prolactin production varies from one person to the other and the increase of prolactin production is dependent on the following factors.Anti psychotic drugs can increase the level of prolactin in blood concentration. It is to be noted here that primary hypothyroidism also has an increasing effect on the production of prolactin.
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However, bulimia and dopamine can decrease the production, thus decreasing the concentration of prolactin in blood circulation.
However, some of the medications are able to control both increase and decrease of prolactin in blood, and on the advice of doctor, one can take these medicines, if required.
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