What It Measures
A prolactin blood test measures the level of the hormone prolactin circulating in your blood. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and is involved in breast milk production, reproductive health, and dozens of other physiological processes including immune function and dopamine regulation.
Prolactin is a peptide hormone produced primarily by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a central role in lactation, reproductive function, and immune regulation. Abnormal prolactin levels can signal pituitary disorders, hypothalamic dysfunction, or medication side effects, and can significantly impact fertility and hormonal balance in both men and women.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) can indicate a prolactinoma (benign pituitary tumor), hypothalamic disease, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, or medication side effects (especially antipsychotics, SSRIs, and anti-nausea drugs). High prolactin suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), leading to reduced testosterone in men and disrupted ovulation in women. Levels above 200 ng/mL strongly suggest a prolactinoma. Mildly elevated levels (25–100 ng/mL) are often medication-induced or stress-related.
Possible Symptoms
In women: irregular or absent periods (amenorrhea), galactorrhea (unexpected breast milk production), infertility, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse. In men: erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), galactorrhea, infertility, reduced muscle mass. Both sexes: headaches and visual disturbances (if caused by pituitary tumor), osteoporosis over time, mood changes.
What Low Means
Low prolactin levels are relatively uncommon and may indicate hypopituitarism (underactive pituitary gland) or Sheehan syndrome (pituitary damage after postpartum hemorrhage). Very low prolactin has been associated with reduced immune function, metabolic syndrome, and in some studies, increased anxiety. Dopamine agonist medications (e.g., cabergoline, bromocriptine) can also suppress prolactin below normal.
Possible Symptoms
Reduced immune function, difficulty with lactation postpartum, increased anxiety and stress sensitivity, potential metabolic disturbances, fatigue. Low prolactin is rarely symptomatic on its own but may indicate broader pituitary insufficiency with associated symptoms (fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure).
Risk Factors
Prolactinoma (pituitary adenoma), hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, chest wall irritation or injury, hypothalamic disorders, use of antipsychotic medications, SSRIs, opioids, estrogen therapy, and high-dose anti-nausea medications.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)
- •Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
- •Vitamin E
- •Zinc
- •SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine)
- •Mucuna pruriens (L-DOPA source)
- •Ashwagandha
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Manage stress through meditation, yoga, or deep breathing — chronic stress elevates prolactin
- •Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep as prolactin follows a circadian rhythm with peaks during sleep
- •Engage in regular moderate exercise — intense overtraining can transiently spike prolactin
- •Avoid excessive alcohol consumption which can raise prolactin levels
- •Review medications with your physician — many common drugs elevate prolactin
- •Maintain a healthy body weight as obesity is associated with mildly elevated prolactin
- •Ensure adequate protein intake to support dopamine synthesis which naturally regulates prolactin
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Historical Trend
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-28 | 13.9 ng/mL | 0.0 |
| 2025-08-25 | 13.9 ng/mL | +5.8 |
| 2025-06-27 | 8.09 ng/mL | — |