Prolactin

ChemistryAlso known as: PRLAlso known as: LactotropinAlso known as: Lactogenic hormonemIU/L

Quantifies prolactin hormone levels in your blood.

Normal Range

2.1 – 17.7 mIU/L

mIU/L

Abnormal Levels

Consult your provider

Specimen Type

Blood

Why This Biomarker Matters

Abnormal prolactin disrupts reproductive function, causing infertility, menstrual irregularities, and sexual dysfunction. Identifying and treating high prolactin is crucial for restoring hormonal balance and fertility.

Understanding Your Results

Normal Range

2.1 – 17.7 mIU/L

Overview

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production in nursing mothers but should remain low in non-pregnant individuals. Elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) can cause irregular menstruation, infertility, erectile dysfunction, and inappropriate milk production. High prolactin may indicate a pituitary tumor, certain medications, or thyroid disorders. This test is essential for evaluating fertility issues, sexual dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities.

Research & Evidence

77 publications

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Assessing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination on fertility and assisted reproductive techniques outcomes: an umbrella review.

Vaccine · 2026

PMID: 41666787

Traditional Chinese medicine for antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia: A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacological foundations, mechanistic insights, and network pharmacology perspectives.

J Ethnopharmacol · 2026

PMID: 41932665

The cross-talk between prolactin and growth hormone in pituitary adenomas.

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2026

PMID: 41951532

From the perspective of prolactin: a view on obesity.

Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) · 2026

PMID: 41918976

Resistant prolactinomas.

Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2026

PMID: 41904067

Microprolactinoma (Pituitary Adenoma) as a Cause of Secondary Headache in a Pediatric Patient With Pain and Restricted Mouth Opening: A Case Report.

Case Rep Dent · 2026

PMID: 41940262

circOMA1 delivered by exosomes regulates DRD2‑mediated prolactinoma resistance.

Int J Mol Med · 2026

PMID: 41891968

Retraction Note: Recombinant human prolactin promotes human beta cell survival via inhibition of extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways.

Diabetologia · 2026

PMID: 41973197

Premature utilization of MRI in the workup of mild hyperprolactinemia.

PLoS One · 2026

PMID: 41950269

Evaluation of incretin levels in patients with prolactinoma.

Endokrynol Pol · 2026

PMID: 41954582

Research data from MEDLINE/PubMed · 77 articles

Technical Information (LOINC Codes)

Standardized laboratory codes for this biomarker

2842-3Primary

Prolactin [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma

ng/mL

20568-2

Prolactin [Mass/volume] in Serum or Plasma by Immunoassay

ng/mL

15081-3

Prolactin [Units/volume] in Serum or Plasma

m[IU]/L

21380-1

Prolactin [Mass/time] in 24 hour Urine

ug/(24.h)

2841-5

Prolactin [Mass/volume] in Semen

ng/mL

83111-5

Prolactin [Units/volume] in Serum or Plasma by Immunoassay

u[IU]/mL

Available Lab Tests

Order tests that measure this biomarker

Prolactin

Results in 1-2 business days

Prolactin Dilution Study