Prolactin
Prolactin is a single-chain protein hormone secreted by lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary. A number of immune cells, the brain and the decidua of the pregnant uterus are most commonly responsible for synthesis and secretion of this hormone.
The most visibly direct role of Prolactin is on the mammary glands. As the name suggests, it promotes the production of lactose during pregnancy. The expression of Prolactin in this manner is held in check by dopamine in the brain. Estrogen serves to signal the expression of Prolactin over dopamine.
It is for this reason that Prolactin is linked to PMS and Menopausal symptoms. The change in gonadal hormones associated with these two processes greatly affect dopamine-estrogen balance. Estrogen dominance which can occur during PMS can result in additional Prolactin being produced. Though this is not enough to create milk in most women, it would create soreness in the breasts.
While Estrogen and Testosterone can both have positive effects on libido, Prolactin is noted to suppress libido. This may be due to the interaction between Prolactin and dopamine (a happy mood hormone) Research is currently being done on Prolactin, Estrogen, and dopamine and its relationship to various types of depression. However, this may be the reason behind PMS related moodiness and depression.
Excessive secretion of prolactin - hyperprolactinemia - common disorder. This condition has numerous causes, including prolactin-secreting tumors and therapy with certain drugs. Common manifestations of hyperprolactinemia in women include amenorrhea (lack of menstrural cycles) and galactorrhea (excessive or spontaneous secretion of milk).
Men with hyperprolactinemia typically show hypogonadism, with decreased sex drive, decreased sperm production and impotence. Such men also often show breast enlargement (gynecomastia), but very rarely produce milk.
Herbs in Formula OTM fortify the pituitary glands proper functioning to assist in proper balance of Estrogen and Prolactin production.