Prolactin

Sex HormonesHormonal BalanceBlood

Prolactin is a hormone responsible for lactation and for certain breast tissue development.

Why it matters: Abnormally high levels of prolactin can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility and erectile dysfunction.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it

Reference Range
4.0 – 15.2ng/mL
4
15.2LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Prolactinoma, a benign tumour of the pituitary gland

May decrease with:

Hypopituitarism
Related Markers
Testosterone (Total)LHFSH
Common questions

What is Prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone responsible for lactation and for certain breast tissue development.

What might a high or low Prolactin mean?

Abnormally high levels of prolactin can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, infertility and erectile dysfunction.

What is the typical reference range for Prolactin?

The general-population reference range shown here is 4 – 15.2 ng/mL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect Prolactin?

It may be higher with: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, Prolactinoma, a benign tumour of the pituitary gland. It may be lower with: Hypopituitarism.

More in Sex Hormones
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