The HPA axis is a neuroendocrine system that involves multiple pathways, hormones, and regulatory processes that keep certain hormones at the appropriate level. The main function of the HPA axis is to regulate the stress response in the body, and it has multiple different feedback loops that regulate physiological responses to various stressors.[1]
Prolactin is regulated by the HPA axis and also acts to regulate other hormones involved in the system. For example, a high prolactin level will slow down further prolactin production and will also inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) production. Progesterone and dopamine will inhibit prolactin production, while estrogen will increase it.[2]
References
- ^Sheng JA, Bales NJ, Myers SA, Bautista AI, Roueinfar M, Hale TM, Handa RJThe Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions.Front Behav Neurosci.(2020)
- ^Al-Chalabi M, Bass AN, Alsalman IPhysiology, ProlactinStatPearls.(2024-01)