Prolactin
Prolactin is a pituitary hormone known for stimulating milk production. Excess, however, disrupts sex hormones in both sexes (menstruation, fertility, libido).
| Rating | Range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Good | below 500 mIU/L | Within range. |
| Worth improving | 500 – 1000 mIU/L | Slightly elevated — interpret in context (stress, medications). |
| Talk to a doctor | 1000 mIU/L and above | Elevated — seek advice (pituitary gland). |
This marker also has 2 age- or sex-specific range sets in the app — the table shows the general one.
Why it matters
Elevated with stress, medications, or the pituitary.
If it’s low
Low prolactin is usually not clinically significant.
If it’s high
High prolactin can suppress sex hormones — in women it disrupts the cycle and fertility, in men libido and erection. The causes are often medications, stress or (less often) a pituitary tumor.
What to do
A mild rise is often transient (stress, blood draw) — repeat calmly, after rest. Persistently high with symptoms belongs to an endocrinologist (check medications, thyroid, imaging if needed).
Read together with
TSH · Estradiol · Testosterone
Part of the guide: Hormones →
Articles about this marker
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This content is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor about your results.
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