ABSTRACT
Objective: to study the prolactin level in non-lactating and lactating women, its relation to infants suckling and also to compare it in various groups like menstruating, non-menstruating, an ovulatory and ovulatory
Method: the study was conducted on 35 women, 25 lactating and 10 non-lactating [control], aging from 16 to 35 years, resident of different areas of Karachi and Hub [Balochistan]. None of them were taking hormonal contraceptive. Prolactin estimation was done in blood and milk of the lactating, and in serum of non-lactating, whereas the urinary estradiol in both groups was carried out for determination of ovulation
Results: suckling episodes and breast feeding on demand were found to be the determinant of prolactin level. Out of all lactating only five were found to be ovulatory and within normal range of prolactin. While almost all of non-lactating were found to be ovulatory and showed significant decrease in level of prolactin
Conclusion: during lactation prolactin level remains high due to which fertility return before six months is unlikely provided breast feeding is frequent and without supplementation