Abnormal prolactin levels and pituitary-gonadal axis in the puerperium.
To investigate the influence of breast-feeding and prolactin secretion on the pituitary-gonadal function, 3 different groups of patients were studied during the first 8 weeks of the puerperium. Group A comprised patients with hyperprolactinemia and secondary amenorrhea who conceived while on a regimen of bromocriptine. Group B was composed of normal lactating women. Group C comprised nonlactating women treated with bromocriptine. Group A patients had a normal decline in serum prolactin levels during the early postpartum period, but serum prolactin remained completely unaltered after clearance of placental estradiol. In group B suckling increased serum prolactin and suppressed luteinizing hormone. This pattern was not seen in group A. Group C patients had a rapid postpartum normalization of the pituitary-gonadal axis. The results indicate that in relation to lactation the pituitary function is rather autonomous in hyperprolactinemic patients.
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000209:etiology; D001942:Breast Feeding; D001971:Bromocriptine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000187:drug effects; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D010053:Ovary / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D004967:Estrogens; D001971:Bromocriptine; D011388:Prolactin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone