prolactin

noun

pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən 

: a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary that induces lactation

Examples of prolactin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During pregnancy, your body begins producing prolactin to stimulate the growth of mammary tissue in anticipation of breastfeeding. —Meena Azzollini, Parents, 1 July 2024

There’s a range of treatments that can help reduce the prolactin and stop the milky discharge, including medication and surgery, and patients typically make a full recovery. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

The body releases oxytocin and prolactin after orgasm. —Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024

On the other hand, breastfeeding may help lower the risk of relapses by keeping estrogen levels lower and increasing prolactin. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Rn-Bc, Health, 24 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

pro- entry 2 + lact- + -in entry 1

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prolactin

• actin

Medical Definition

prolactin

noun

pro·​lac·​tin prō-ˈlak-tən 

: a protein hormone of the adenohypophysis of the pituitary gland that induces and maintains lactation in the postpartum mammalian female

—abbreviation PRL

called also luteotropic hormone, luteotropin, mammotropin