Endocrinology | Prolactin

Official Ninja Nerd Website: https://ninjanerd.org Ninja Nerds! In this endocrine physiology lecture, Professor Zach Murphy delivers a focused and clinically integrated breakdown of Prolactin, a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that plays a central role in lactation and reproductive function. We begin by reviewing the unique regulation of prolactin, which is tonically inhibited by dopamine from the hypothalamus, unlike most anterior pituitary hormones that are stimulated by hypothalamic releasing hormones. The lecture then explores how TRH, estrogen, and nipple stimulation can enhance prolactin secretion, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum periods. You’ll learn about prolactin’s mechanism of action, particularly in mammary gland development and milk production, and how it interacts with oxytocin to coordinate the lactation reflex. Clinical relevance is emphasized with discussions of hyperprolactinemia, including its causes (e.g., pituitary adenomas, antipsychotics), symptoms (galactorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility), and treatment with dopamine agonists like bromocriptine or cabergoline. Enjoy the lecture and support us below! 🌐 Official Links Website: https://www.ninjanerd.org Podcast: https://podcast.ninjanerd.org Store: https://merch.ninjanerd.org 📱 Social Media   / ninjanerdlectures     / ninjanerdlectures     / ninjanerdlectures   https://x.com/ninjanerdsci/   / ninja-nerd   💬 Join Our Community Discord:   / discord   #ninjanerd #Prolactin #Endocrinology