Inactive Tutor answered • 01/01/20
The main regulator for prolactin is the pituitary gland, which involves the hormone called dopamine. Dopamine is produced via the hypothalamus and dopamine opposes prolactin production, respectively.
- More dopamine=less prolactin released
In order for normal regulation, the hypothalamus is critical for normal secretion of the hormone. Using a different regulator via a short loop feedback, this helps prolactin act on itself at times, stimulating the production of dopamine and therefore, inhibiting its own secretion. (Very similar to a negative feedback loop)
Dopamine and Oestrogen are the two key regulators of prolactin, as oestrogen has been directly correlated with secretion of prolactin from the pituitary.
-Increase in Oestrogen levels = increase in prolactin levels
Example: during stages of the menstrual cycle, oestrogen levels are at a peak high, which is a the case during and after pregnancy
