Prolactin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland, and its function is to promote milk production in the breast so the mother can nurse her baby. A way to remember the definition is that pro meaning to produce, and lactin meaning lactation or milk. Prolactin production is restricted by dopamine, a hormone released from the hypothalamus, so dopamine release will decrease prolactin secretion.

Prolactin is a hormone released from the pituitary gland, and its function is to promote milk production in the breast so the mother can nurse her baby. A way to remember the definition is that ‘pro’ meaning to produce, and ‘lactin’ meaning lactation or milk. Prolactin production is restricted by dopamine, a hormone released from the hypothalamus, so dopamine release will decrease prolactin secretion.