What does pituitary prolactin mean?
Feb 23, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Prolactin is a peptide hormone composed of 198 amino acids, secreted by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland, which promotes milk synthesis. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland; its primary functions include promoting mammary gland development and lactation, as well as, together with ovarian steroid hormones, facilitating the development of mammary ducts and glands prior to childbirth.
Prolactin is a peptide hormone composed of 198 amino acids, secreted by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary gland, which promotes milk synthesis.
Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Its main functions include promoting mammary gland development and lactation. Together with ovarian steroid hormones, it facilitates the development of mammary ducts and glands prior to childbirth. Additionally, pituitary prolactin participates in various bodily functions, primarily regulating reproductive activity.
Elevated prolactin levels, also known as galactorrhea-amenorrhea syndrome, is a disorder caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The main symptoms include significantly reduced menstrual flow, infrequent menstruation, or even amenorrhea and infertility, often accompanied by galactorrhea (abnormal milk production). Under medical guidance, oral administration of bromocriptine mesylate tablets can effectively lower prolactin levels, reduce tumor size, and restore menstrual and fertility functions.
Other factors may also lead to elevated prolactin levels, such as pituitary tumors, which typically cause prolactin levels to rise, usually reaching around 100 ng/mL. If medication proves ineffective, surgical removal or radiotherapy may be considered.
