Pentingnya Prolaktin yang Seimbang Bagi Ibu Menyusui, ASI Aman
Did you know, Mom? Prolactin is the name of a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. The main function of the prolactin hormone is to stimulate breast milk production after childbirth. In addition, this hormone also plays an important role in regulating reproductive functions and various other body functions. Because of its vital role, balanced prolactin levels are very important to support health and fertility, both in men and women.
This time, we will review in more detail the function of prolactin for breastfeeding mothers, where it comes from, and the health impacts caused if an abnormality occurs.
Function of Prolactin Hormone for Breastfeeding Mothers
Prolactin plays a crucial role for pregnant women in terms of preparing breast tissue for breastfeeding. After childbirth and estrogen levels drop, prolactin levels in the mother's body increase, which then stimulates the mammary glands to produce breast milk.
By working together with another hormone, oxytocin, prolactin triggers the let-down reflex and instructs the breasts to produce breast milk. Besides being a booster, prolactin also maintains breast milk production during breastfeeding, ensuring the baby gets the nutrients needed to grow and develop well.
The main drivers of this process include nipple stimulation, whether through newborn suckling or through breast pumping. Not only related to breastfeeding, but prolactin also helps in decreasing ovulation, which can be a natural contraceptive for mothers during the breastfeeding period that helps delay the next pregnancy.
Where Does the Prolactin Hormone Come From?
Mom, you have understood that prolactin is a hormone that plays an important role in the breastfeeding process, breast development, and many other body functions necessary to maintain balance. The chemical structure of prolactin is similar to growth hormone and placental lactogen. These three hormones form the "prolactin/growth hormone/placental lactogen" family with a distinctive protein structure and originate from the same gene.
So, where does this prolactin hormone come from? It is widely known that the anterior pituitary gland produces and secretes prolactin, which is regulated by the hypothalamus via dopamine. Prolactin can also be produced by the central nervous system, immune system, uterus, and body glands.
There are various factors that can trigger prolactin production such as nipple stimulation, light exposure, smells, and stress. In addition, other influencing factors include thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), estrogen (during pregnancy), and antipsychotic medications.
Prolactin Hormone Abnormalities & Possible Impacts
As explained in the previous section, prolactin plays an important role in breast function, especially in women. Unbalanced prolactin levels, whether too low (hypoprolactinemia) or too high (hyperprolactinemia), can trigger quite serious abnormalities and health problems.
Normal prolactin levels are essential for a smooth breastfeeding process. If prolactin levels are too low, a mother will face difficulty producing breast milk and experience a decrease in the body's immune system. Conversely, if prolactin levels are too high, this can cause breast milk leakage or the medical term galactorrhea in women who are not breastfeeding. Signs in men include erectile dysfunction, breast enlargement, and reduced muscle mass and hair count.
Not only related to breastfeeding disorders, unbalanced prolactin can affect the menstrual cycle. In women, excessive prolactin levels can cause amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) because this hormone inhibits the release of GnRH hormone. In men, unbalanced prolactin can cause symptoms such as headaches and decreased libido. This decrease in libido is related to reduced sperm production due to increased prolactin affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary reproductive axis.
Tips to Keep Prolactin Levels Balanced
Follow these tips to keep prolactin levels balanced so that breast milk production remains smooth and safe.
- Healthy and Balanced Diet: Consume nutritious food to support balanced hormone production and facilitate breast milk production.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps maintain hormonal balance in breastfeeding mothers. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers are also advised to continue regular, safe exercise.
- Manage Stress Well: Stress can affect prolactin levels, so it is important to manage stress well from pregnancy through exclusive breastfeeding.
- Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption: Alcohol and caffeine can affect the levels of hormones that play an important role in the smoothness of breast milk production.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Regular health check-ups also help detect changes in hormone levels early on.
The Importance of Maintaining Prolactin Hormone Levels for Breastfeeding Mothers
The function of the prolactin hormone in men and women plays a very important role in supporting the health of the reproductive system and the body as a whole. Low prolactin hormone conditions can lead to difficulty producing breast milk and ovulation disorders in women. Early detection and proper handling are very important to overcome this problem.
If you experience some symptoms that point to prolactin hormone abnormalities, such as irregular periods, vaginal dryness, infertility, and others, see a doctor immediately for further examination and action. Maintaining prolactin balance is an important step to ensure optimal health and fertility.
In an effort to support the prolactin process in facilitating breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers, nipple stimulation through newborn suckling and breast pumping is very necessary. Indeed, Mom, being a breastfeeding mother is not easy, but with love and sincerity for the little one, all parents can surely get through it.
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References
- Ada’s Medical Knowledge Team. Prolactin Levels: the Breastmilk Facilitating Hormone. https://ada.com/hormones/prolactin/
- Alodokter.com. Fungsi Hormon Prolaktin dan Gangguan Kesehatan yang Berkaitan dengannya. https://www.alodokter.com/pentingnya-hormon-prolaktin-bagi-pria-dan-terlebih-bagi-wanita
- Jin Y, Fan M. Treatment of gynecomastia with prednisone: case report and literature review. J Int Med Res. 2019 May;47(5):2288-2295.
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