Prolactin
Definition
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary, a small gland at the base of the brain. Its main role is to promote breast tissue development during pregnancy and milk production after birth.
Purpose
Diagnosis of prolactinoma (a pituitary tumor), the cause of irregular periods, infertility in women and men, low sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men, treatment monitoring in known prolactinoma.
Results
- High, prolactinoma or pituitary disorders, hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, kidney disease, PCOS in women
- Low (rare), pituitary dysfunction; insufficient milk production during breastfeeding
Normal Values
Laboratory-specific.
Risks and Limitations
Non-disease causes of elevation are very common:
Small increases in prolactin can result from stress, exercise and even sexual intercourse.
A high-protein diet and certain medications also raise it. For this reason, a single high result is not diagnostic; repeat measurement may be needed.