Prolactin

Sex HormonesHormonal BalanceBlood

Prolactin stimulates breast milk production and influences reproductive function. Normally low in non-pregnant individuals.

Why it matters: Elevated prolactin can suppress reproductive function. Most common cause is pituitary prolactinoma or medications.

Reference Range
4.0 – 15.2ng/mL
4
15.2LowNormalHigh
Symptoms of High Prolactin
Irregular/absent periods
Milky nipple discharge
Reduced libido
Erectile dysfunction
What Moves It

May increase with:

Prolactinoma
Medications (antipsychotics)
Stress
Hypothyroidism

May decrease with:

Dopamine agonists (cabergoline)
Pituitary damage
Associated Conditions
ProlactinomaHypogonadismGalactorrheaInfertility
Related Markers
Testosterone (Total)LHFSH
Common questions

What is Prolactin?

Prolactin stimulates breast milk production and influences reproductive function. Normally low in non-pregnant individuals.

What might a high or low Prolactin mean?

Elevated prolactin can suppress reproductive function. Most common cause is pituitary prolactinoma or medications.

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: Prolactinoma, Medications (antipsychotics), Stress, Hypothyroidism. It may be lower with: Dopamine agonists (cabergoline), Pituitary damage.

More in Sex Hormones
EstradiolFree TestosteroneFSHLHProgesteroneSHBGTestosterone (Total)

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