Prolactin

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PRL

The normal values for prolactin are as follows:

• Males and nonpregnant females: 0 to 20 ng/ml
• Pregnant women: 10 to 300 ng/ml

Note: ng/ml = nanograms per milliliter

People with the following conditions may have elevated prolactin levels:

• Prolactinomas (a pituitary tumor that makes prolactin)
• Other pituitary tumors and diseases
• Hypothalamic disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Chest wall trauma or irritation

Certain medications can also raise prolactin levels, including estrogens, tricyclic antidepressants, metoclopramide, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, reserpine, methyldopa, and H2 blockers.

If your prolactin levels are elevated, the test may be repeated in the early morning following an 8-hour fast.

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, M.D., Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.