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Time course of physiological hyperprolactinaemia during two years lactation
Clinical Endocrinology
|September 1, 1977
Summary
Mothers in Central Africa breastfeeding for two years experience elevated prolactin levels. Serum prolactin is three times higher in the first 15-18 months postpartum compared to non-lactating women.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Human Lactation Biology
Background:
- Prolactin is a key hormone in lactation and postpartum physiology.
- Prolonged lactation is common in many parts of the world, particularly in Central Africa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate prolactin levels in mothers practicing prolonged breastfeeding in Central Africa.
- To compare postpartum prolactin levels between lactating and non-lactating women.
Main Methods:
- Serum prolactin levels were measured in mothers practicing 2-year nursing.
- Comparison group included non-pregnant, non-lactating women.
Main Results:
- Mothers exhibited hyperprolactinemia during the first 15-18 postpartum months.
- Serum prolactin levels were approximately threefold higher than in non-pregnant, non-lactating women.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged nursing in Central Africa is associated with sustained hyperprolactinemia in early postpartum.
- Elevated prolactin may play a role in the physiology of extended lactation in this population.