Serum prolactin levels in undernourished Indian lactating women.

1. Serum prolactin (PRL) levels, both basal and post-suckling peak, were estimated in fifty-seven lactating women. 2. Basal PRL levels were significantly higher in all lactating women irrespective of the duration of lactation as compared to the levels in non-pregnant, non-lactating women. 3. There was significant positive correlation (r 0.69, P less than 0.001) between the basal PRL levels and the post-suckling peak values. 4. After 8 months of lactation, peak post-suckling, PRL levels were not significantly different from basal values. 5. Basal PRL levels were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) in mothers whose infants were being supplemented. 6. PRL levels were not related to the mother's nutritional status as determined by body-weight. 7. The findings suggest that high PRL levels during lactation prolong the duration of lactional amenorrhoea and hence the relative infertility.