title: [Hormonal regulation mechanisms during puerperium].
abstract: The regulation of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis during puerperium is reviewed. The lactotrophic hormone prolactin is necessary for the growth of the milk producing system, initiation and maintenance of lactation. Inappropriate responsiveness of the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian system causes independent of the actual prolactin serum values postpartum amenorrhea during early puerperium. However, the duration of amenorrhea depends on the duration of breast-feeding. The prolactin peaks induced by suckling interfere with the reappearance of normal cyclic ovarian regulation.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology*; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects; D010060:Ovulation; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D006062:Gonadotropins; D001971:Bromocriptine; D011388:Prolactin; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone
vernacular_title: Hormonelle Regulationsmechanismen im Puerperium.