Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is best known for stimulating breast milk production. It also plays a role in reproductive health and immune function.
Category: Hormones
Also known as: prolactin, prl, serum prolactin
Reference range: 4–15.2 ng/mL (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: ng/mL
High values may indicate
High prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) may indicate a pituitary adenoma (prolactinoma), hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver disease, or certain medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants), and can cause irregular periods, infertility, and galactorrhea.
Low values may indicate
Low prolactin levels are uncommon and may indicate hypopituitarism or Sheehan syndrome (postpartum pituitary necrosis).