Prolactin
Pituitary hormone, lactation and beyond
Prolactin is an anterior-pituitary hormone best known for its role in lactation but with broader effects on immune regulation, water balance, and reproductive function. Prolactin secretion is tonically inhibited by hypothalamic dopamine; reduction of dopaminergic tone (or pharmacological agents that affect that pathway) raises prolactin.
Among research peptides, GHRP-6 in particular is associated with prolactin elevation alongside its GH-releasing effect. This is one of the reasons ipamorelin (which does not significantly raise prolactin) is preferred for long-running GH-axis protocols where the goal is GH/IGF-1 elevation without endocrine collateral.
Persistently elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can suppress reproductive-axis function (via inhibition of GnRH pulsatility), which is why prolactin is a relevant biomarker to monitor for researchers running multi-month GHRP protocols.
Used in 4 research peptides
- PerformanceHexarelinPotent GH stimulator for quick strength gains and vascularity in bodybuilders.
- PerformanceGHRP-2Stronger ghrelin-mimetic than GHRP-6; releases GH with milder appetite spike.
- PerformanceGHRP-1First-generation growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide; precursor to GHRP-2/-6.
- PerformanceExamorelin (Hexarelin variant)Synonym/older spelling for Hexarelin; potent GH secretagogue with cardioprotective signaling.
See also
Educational use only
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