I find linking prolactin levels to migraines most interesting.  There was
an article in DEc. JHL (1992, 3?4?) about this.

What I wonder about is whether prolactin is elevated sufficiently at 6
months postbirth to really be a causative agent.  Where are the references
to this? What tests (prolactin levels, for example) that support such a
conclusion?

Although several tests were mentioned by Anne Andis, nothing was said about
checking prolactin levels before, during and after a breastfeed.  Did the
neurologist think to do this? Is this mother one whose prolactin levels are
well above that usually seen?

I am reminded that the autocrine theory of lactation maintenance suggests
that the breast is the primary site of galactopoiesis at this point.  Also,
if one looks at studies that have examined prolactin levels, they tend to
remain barely above baseline after several weeks and certainly would not be
high by 6 mo postpartum.

I would very much appreciate comments from physiologists, endocrinologists
on the possibility of prolactin-induced migraine--immediatley post-birth,
at 1 , 3 a dn 6 months postpartum and whether it can be diagnosed in the
absence of testing for prolactin levels...

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Kathleen G. Auerbach,PhD, IBCLC (Ferndale, WA USA) [log in to unmask]
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