Obstetrics & gynaecology

Hormone found to regulate mothers' behavior

University of Otago researchers have discovered a new function for the hormone prolactin—it limits a new mom's investment in aggressive behavior and instead focuses them on interacting with their babies.

Medications

Antipsychotic drugs may increase risk of breast cancer

Tracking medications provided to over a half million U.S. women, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that many commonly prescribed older antipsychotic medications, and some newer ...

Obstetrics & gynaecology

Researchers pinpoint cause of fatigue during pregnancy

Pregnant women now have a scientific reason for skipping the gym during pregnancy; the same hormone gearing up the body for breastfeeding is also telling the brain to relax rather than run.

Medical research

Lactation hormone also helps a mother's brain

The same hormone that stimulates milk production for lactation, also acts in the brain to help establish the nurturing link between mother and baby, University of Otago researchers have revealed for the first time.

Neuroscience

Dopamine control of prolactin secretion

In women, a major role of prolactin is to initiate and sustain pregnancy and lactation. During pregnancy, prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland is important for pregnancy maintenance and prolactin levels are correlated ...

Neuroscience

New principle for brain-controlled hormone secretion

The concentration of the hormone prolactin in the blood is controlled by dopamine. However, the system can be thrown off balance by certain drugs, especially antipsychotics, which can result in sexual side effects. A new ...

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