>> With PCOS, my understanding is that higher androgen (testosterone levels)
are a factor, and insulin resistance, but not necessarily prolactin levels
being a main factor, so I would not think prolactin levels are needed.
Testosterone levels can be done, but not sure what to do about them, so what
is the benefit at this point? Mothers often benefit from taking metformin
and can increase their milk production by making the insulin/glucose system
work better. My understanding is that making the basic sugars work with
insulin (a hormone) to make food (human milk) is what's going on. Obviously,
I am not an endocrinologist, and certainly mother may benefit from seeing
one, and getting all those hormonal things in good working order. So I am
back to the premature birth as the big factor.<<

Laurie and all,
I've been traveling so have read lactnet only sporadically and have not seen
all the discussion. But I do want to clarify on this. Current research (I
will be presenting at ILCA) is suggesting multiple possible androgens as
problems, not just testosterone. The benefit is knowing the origin-- each
has a different origin-- as that will help to guide the selection of
treatment and also the prognosis for results. Metformin likely helps by
reducing androgens (ovarian source more than adrenal source) indirectly via
reducing hyperinsulinemia. 

On the prolactin, even though I don't know of a direct connection between
PCOS and prolactin, I just had a thin-type PCOS mom with normal other
hormones and very little milk come back with a prolactin level of 18 at 3
weeks postpartum. I've seen low prolactins like this flag several times the
past year in and outside of PCOS. So I was able to give that mom an
explanation for her low supply and also discuss what would and would not
help. It certainly helps us to understand what is and is not likely to help!


~Lisa

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome