Prolactin Serum Prolactin (PRL)
The hormone behind milk production, present in men too.
Also printed asPRL
What it measures
A pituitary hormone best known for milk production, present in both sexes.
When raised it suppresses the sex hormones, which shows up as low libido, irregular periods or low testosterone.
Why it matters for how long you stay well
Most mildly high results are about stress, sleep or the draw itself rather than about a gland, so the repeat matters more than the first number.
How it shows up in daily life
A high level can bring irregular periods, less drive, and in men occasionally breast tenderness.
High and low readings
When it reads high
Stress, several common medicines, or a pituitary cause worth a physician's look.
When it reads low
Low is fine.
What moves it
Daily life
- sleep and stress
- the time of day of the draw
- nipple stimulation and exercise before the draw
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
Medicines known to shift it
- oral contraceptives (can raise it)
Listed so a result can be read in context. It is not advice to start, stop or change any medicine; that decision belongs with your physician.
Common questions
What does Serum Prolactin measure?
A pituitary hormone best known for milk production, present in both sexes. When raised it suppresses the sex hormones, which shows up as low libido, irregular periods or low testosterone.
What does a high Prolactin result usually mean?
Stress, several common medicines, or a pituitary cause worth a physician's look.
What does a low Prolactin result usually mean?
Low is fine.
What is the usual reference range for Prolactin?
A broad adult reference band is 2–20 ng/mL. Labs differ, so read your result against the band printed on your own report.
Educational only, not a diagnosis. A single number means little without your history and the rest of your panel, so discuss your own results with your physician.
Typical adult reference band
- Adults
- 2–20 ng/mL
Labs differ. The band printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result.
Reported in ng/mL
Ageing relevance
2/5
Relevant to the ageing of one organ, or to disease screening.
Worth knowing
Stress, a poor night, or even the needle itself can lift it, so a mildly high result is usually repeated.
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