Abstract
In adults, a sex difference in levels of human Prolactin (hPRL) is well documented. In 36 girls and 31 boys (8 to 17 yrs of age), basal levels of hPRL were determined and assessments of pubertal stage were made at 6 month intervals. After 12 years of age mean levels of hPRL were higher in girls than in boys. In girls, plasma hPRL increased regularly with age and pubertal development. The most significant increase occurred by 13 years of age and correlated with menarche. Significant differences were seen between pubertal stage I and V, and II and V(p<0.01). A highly significant correlation was found between the increases in plasma hPRL and estradiol between the ages of 11 and 13 years. Between 14 and 16 years of ages, hPRL levels were higher (p<0.05) in girls with long menstrual cycles (>28 days). These data demonstrate a direct relationship between the pubertal rises in estrogens and hPRL, and suggest a possible role of hPRL in the regulation of the first menstrual cycles.
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Aubert, M., Sizonenko, P. & Paunier, L. Human Prolactin during puberty and first menstrual cycles in girls. Pediatr Res 12, 157 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197802000-00065
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197802000-00065