Word parts
What it means
Prolactin rises in pregnancy and after birth, and a baby's sucking keeps it high, so frequent breastfeeding helps milk supply. Oxytocin, a different hormone, releases the milk (let-down). Some drugs, mainly antipsychotics, raise prolactin and can cause breast swelling, milk leakage or missed periods.
At a glance
| Spanish | prolactina |
|---|---|
| Also written | PRL |
Related terms
postpartum
The time after giving birth, usually the first six weeks, while the body returns to its non-pregnant state.
lact/o
A word part that means milk.
gynecomastia
Enlarged breast gland tissue in a male.