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Prolactin Release Patterns

Meaning

Prolactin Release Patterns refer to the distinct, temporally regulated secretion profiles of the peptide hormone prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland, which are influenced by circadian rhythm, physiological states, and external stimuli. Prolactin is primarily known for its role in lactation, but in non-lactating individuals, its patterns are critical for regulating reproductive function, immune modulation, and stress response. Clinical assessment of these patterns involves analyzing the pulsatile nature and magnitude of its release, as chronic hyperprolactinemia can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to hypogonadism and systemic dysfunction.