prolactin
noun
pro·lac·tin
prō-ˈlak-tən 
: a protein hormone of the anterior lobe of the pituitary that induces lactation
Examples of prolactin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In new mothers, for instance, an increase in the hormone prolactin helps lay the groundwork for breastfeeding.
—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
Bloodwork found that Fasone was experiencing elevated levels of prolactin, the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates lactation and influences fertility.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
For those who continue to feed, baseline prolactin decreases (though still rises during feeding), and oxytocin becomes more consistent.
—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
16 Feb. 2026
Experts say prolactin usually affects testosterone only when levels are unusually high due to medical issues, not from normal eating habits, and that everyday diet or lifestyle factors aren't known to lower testosterone through prolactin in healthy men.
—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
5 Jan. 2026
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Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
19 June 2026
Bloodwork found that Fasone was experiencing elevated levels of prolactin, the hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates lactation and influences fertility.
—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
1 June 2026
For those who continue to feed, baseline prolactin decreases (though still rises during feeding), and oxytocin becomes more consistent.
—
Hannah Silverman,
Parents,
16 Feb. 2026
Experts say prolactin usually affects testosterone only when levels are unusually high due to medical issues, not from normal eating habits, and that everyday diet or lifestyle factors aren't known to lower testosterone through prolactin in healthy men.
—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for prolactin
Cite this Entry
“Prolactin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prolactin. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
prolactin
noun
pro·lac·tin
prō-ˈlak-tən
: a protein hormone of the adenohypophysis of the pituitary gland that induces and maintains lactation in the postpartum mammalian female
—abbreviation PRL
called also luteotropic hormone, luteotropin, mammotropin
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