Progesterone lactation

After birth, a rapid drop in progesterone level initially triggers lactation through reversal of inhibitory effects on prolactin (Fig. 44-2). Nipple stimulation then enables lactation to continue once established. During lactation, ineffective removal of milk from the breast, trauma, and skin breaks may lead to problems such as milk stasis, nipple pain, and mastitis.12 Additionally, some women have difficultly initiating lactation due to improper technique and/or activity of inhibitors such as dopamine (Fig. 44-2). 

Progesterone causes proliferation of acini in the breasts and with the help of estrogen, prepare them for lactation. 

The mammary gland consists of the external nipple and the system of ducts from the alveoli to the skin surface. The alveoli do not fully develop until a female experiences pregnancy and lactation. Cortisol, insulin and placental lactogen contribute to alveolar development, but estrogen and progesterone are most important. The cells that line the alveoli synthesize milk, and they are surrounded by a layer of myoepithelial cells that eject the milk. 

Croxatto, H.B., et al. 1982. Plasma progesterone levels following subdermal implantation of progesterone pellets in lactating women. Acta Endocrinol 100 630. 

Shaaban, N.N. 1991. Contraception with progestogens and progesterone during lactation. J Steroid Biochem Molec Biol 40 705. 

Chen, J.H., et al. 1998. The comparative trial of TCu 380A IUD and progesterone-only vaginal ring used by lactating women. Contraception 57 371. 

Estrogens influence the breast tissue at puberty, during each ovulatory cycle, and during pregnancy they participate in duct formation, and, in conjugation with progesterone, oxytocin, and other hormones, prepare the breasts for lactation. 

Suppression of postpartum lactation Estrogen, progesterone, and bromocriptine (a dopamine receptor agonist) are all effective in suppressing postpartum lactation. 

Progering Progesterone Contraception in lactating women Chile Laboratorios Silesia... 

Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone secreted by special cells of the adenohypophysis. It stimulates and sustains lactation in postpartum mammals, the mammary glands having been prepared by other hormones, including estrogens, progesterone, growth hormone, corticosteroids, and insulin. It also stimulates formation of milk in the crop sac of birds, such as pigeons and doves (an action formerly used for bioassay), is luteotropic m certain mammals, and has many other... 

Diaz S, Reyes MV, Zepeda A, et al. Norplant implants and progesterone vaginal rings do not affect maternal bone turnover and density during lactation and after weaning. Hum Reprod 1999 11 2499-2505. 

The promotion of mammary development, lactation, and galactopoiesis requires growth hormone, ovarian estrogen (duct formation), ovarian progesterone (lobule-alveolar development), and adrenal corticoids, as well as prolactin and oxytocin. The secretion of prolactin is modified by snbstances that stimulate or block dopamine-receptor sites. Agents such as neuroleptics (chlorpromazine) may cause lactation in a nonpregnant woman. On the other hand,... 

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