Emily F. answered • 01/01/20
Biochemist and Graduate student at Johns Hopkins University
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
