Types

• Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary under the control of prolactin inhibiting factors. These factors are secreted by the hypothalamus. Prolactin is also synthesized by the placenta and is present in amniotic fluid.
• Prolactin initiates and maintains lactation in females . It also plays a role in regu...

Description

Male : 

• 2.1 - 17.7 ng /ml

Females :

• Normal Menstruating : 2.8 - 29.2 ng /ml
• Pregnant : 9.7 - 208.5 ng /ml
• Post menopausal : 1.8 - 20.3 ng /ml

When to get Tested

• When a person has s/s of Prolactinoma, such as unexplained headaches, visual impairment, and/or unexplained nipple discharge
• When a woman is experiencing infertility or irregular menstrual periods
• When a man has symptoms such as libido, breast discharge ,infertility or low testosterone level

Elevated Level

Physiological:

• Stress
• Sleep
• Exercise
• Pregnancy
• Nursing

Pathological

• Prolactinomas
• Other pituitary tumours and disease
• Hypothalamic disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Chest wall trauma or irritation
• Medication- related (estrogens, tricyclic antidepressants, metoclopramide, reserpine, methyldopa, H2 blockers)
• Euroleptics, antipsychotic drugs, Dopamine antagonists, Estrogens and oral contraceptives, Amphetamines, lsoniazide

Decreased Level

• Hypopituitarism
• Postpartum pituitary necrosis (Sheehan's Syndrome)
• Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
• Drugs: Dopamine agonists and Ergot derivatives