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

Separately, breastfeeding typically entails high levels of a hormone called prolactin, which can put the kibosh on ovulation (and periods)—generally a helpful measure for avoiding pregnancy right after giving birth. —Korin Miller, SELF, 31 Mar. 2025

And even certain medications could screw with your typical cycle, for instance antidepressants and antipsychotics (which, in a roundabout way, may pump up your levels of ovulation-blocking prolactin) and steroids, which mimic the cortisol release of a stress response. —Korin Miller, SELF, 31 Mar. 2025

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

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