Understanding the marker
Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland and is involved in milk production. It is also measured when investigating selected reproductive or hormonal symptoms.
Sleep, stress, medicines and sampling conditions can affect prolactin. Follow the collection instructions for the ordered test. Sometimes the laboratory checks for macroprolactin, a larger form that can raise the measured result without having the same biological effect.
What does high Prolactin mean?
A high prolactin result is assessed with symptoms, medicines and collection conditions. Confirmation or a check for macroprolactin may be useful. A persistent elevation needs clinical assessment, but one result does not identify its cause.
What does low Prolactin mean?
A low prolactin result often has little clinical significance and is assessed in relation to the clinical question.
Panels that measure Prolactin
Menstrual Health
Testosterone Advanced
Menstrual Health Advanced
Women's Hormone Health
Fertility Advanced
Reading
More markers in the same area
- PSA ratio (free to total)PSA result
- Estradiola form of the hormone estrogen
- Progesteronea hormone that can support evidence of recent ovulation
- FSHa hormone signal to the ovaries or testes
- LHa hormone signal involved in reproductive function
- Testosteronea hormone involved in reproductive and muscle function
This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: October 2026.