What is Prolactin?
a pituitary hormone that affects fertility
Prolactin is made by the pituitary and affects milk production, fertility, and libido. Raised values can disrupt menstrual cycles and sperm production.
Stress and certain medications can raise prolactin temporarily. Persistently high values can indicate a benign pituitary tumour.
Test facts
- Unit
- µg/L
- Sample
- Serum
- Fasting
- No fasting needed
- Turnaround
- 2 days
What does low Prolactin mean?
Low prolactin is rarely clinically significant.
What does high Prolactin mean?
High prolactin should be investigated and may require pituitary MRI.
Panels that measure Prolactin
- Female Hormones
- Hormone+
- Perimenopause
- Pre-Conception
More markers in the same area
Launching in Stockholm in 2026.
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This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: May 2026.