Prolactin in Serum

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone best known for its role in lactation. In nonpregnant women and men, prolactin levels are normally low.
Also known as:
Serum Prolactin
S-prolactin
PRL
.

Prolactin ranges for

Interpret your result
"Normal" lab range for Prolactin is between 2.1 and 17.7 ng/mL for males:
2.1
17.7
According to OptimalDX, Prolactin should be between 2 and 10 ng/mL for males:
2
10
Optimal range
Optimal range for Prolactin appears to be between 4.5 and 10 ng/mL for males:
0
2
4.5
10
17.7
65
Why this optimal range?
Preliminary range is based on functional health organizations including but not limited to those listed above.

Low Prolactin

Common reasons for low Prolactin:

  • Low prolactin is uncommon and usually reflects dopamine agonist use (for example cabergoline or bromocriptine) or hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction / broader anterior pituitary insufficiency.

    Very low prolactin has also been associated in observational studies with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and visceral adiposity.

    ,,

High Prolactin

Common reasons for high Prolactin:

  • Elevated prolactin is commonly caused by prolactinoma, medications (especially antipsychotics, metoclopramide, antidepressants, opioids, methyldopa, and some calcium-channel blockers), hypothyroidism, and pregnancy/lactation.

    Prolactin can also rise transiently with stress, sleep, exercise, sex, nipple stimulation, and chest wall stimulation or injury. Other causes include pituitary stalk lesions, chronic kidney disease, and liver disease.

    ,,

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