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Hormones

Prolactin

Prolactin is essential for lactation and plays a broader role in menstrual cycle regulation and fertility. Monitoring prolactin can help women understand hormonal factors that may influence their reproductive health and well-being.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

Female
ug/l
Low 4.8 Normal 23.3 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

What It Measures

This test measures the concentration of prolactin in your blood. Prolactin is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a role in breast milk production, reproductive function, and various metabolic and immune processes.

Why It Matters

For women, prolactin balance is important for regular menstrual cycles and fertility. Elevated prolactin may be associated with cycle irregularities, anovulation, or galactorrhoea. Understanding your levels supports informed reproductive health decisions.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended if you experience irregular menstrual periods, unexplained milk discharge, infertility, decreased libido, or headaches and visual changes. Testing is typically done in the morning for most accurate results.

Symptoms

Low Levels

Low prolactin is uncommon and usually not associated with significant symptoms. In postpartum women, very low levels may be associated with difficulty breastfeeding. Consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.

High Levels

Elevated prolactin may be associated with irregular or absent periods, unexpected milk production, headaches, decreased libido, or erectile dysfunction in men. Very high levels could suggest a pituitary adenoma.

Recommendations

Female

If Low

Low prolactin in women is generally not concerning unless breastfeeding.

If High

Elevated prolactin may disrupt ovulation. Consider evaluation for pituitary adenoma and medication review.

Lifestyle Tips

Stress management, adequate sleep, and avoiding medications known to raise prolactin may help maintain healthy levels. Regular exercise at moderate intensity is often beneficial. Consult your healthcare provider about any medications that may affect prolactin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can medications affect prolactin levels?
Yes, many medications including certain antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-nausea drugs can raise prolactin levels. Always inform your healthcare provider about your medications before testing.
Is prolactin testing only for women?
No, prolactin testing is important for both men and women. In men, elevated prolactin may affect testosterone levels, libido, and fertility.
What time of day should prolactin be tested?
Prolactin levels are typically highest in the early morning. Testing is usually recommended in the morning after fasting, while avoiding stress and strenuous exercise beforehand.

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

Fertility & Pregnancy

IVF Blood Test (Women)

Complete female IVF intake panel: ovarian reserve, thyroid, infectious screening, immunity serology, blood group and CBC.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Complete Blood Count (CBC)
€425,-
Fertility & Pregnancy

IVF Blood Test Complete (Women)

Everything in the IVF panel plus full thyroid, preconception nutrients, progesterone and CMV immunity.

TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Ferritin Progesterone Vitamin D (25-OH) Chlamydia IgG HIV 1/2 Antibody + p24 Antigen Syphilis Screening Blood Type + Rh TPO Antibodies CMV IgG Hepatitis B Core Antibody Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Hepatitis C Antibody Rubella IgG Toxoplasmosis IgG Varicella Zoster D-Dimer Complete Blood Count (CBC)
€495,-

Prolactin

€27,-