Introduction Source lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary synthesize prolactin during pregnancy there is an increase in lactotrophs it is chemically similar to growth hormone Regulation prolactin secretion is regulated by chemicals that alter prolactin gene transcription stimulatory login to view 7 more bullets inhibitory login to view 10 more bullets Function milk production (lactogenesis) prolactin stimulates the production of milk components (e.g., lactose and casein) login to view 3 more bullets breast development stimulates the mammary ducts to proliferate and branch login to view 1 more bullet inhibits ovulation prolactin inhibits gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesis and secretion login to view 1 more bullet Clinical correlate hyperprolactinemia etiology login to view 2 more bullets symptoms login to view 2 more bullets treatment login to view 3 more bullets