What is the reference range for Prolactin?

The standard reference range for Prolactin is Non-pregnant women approximately 4–23 ng/mL (85–500 mIU/L); substantially higher in pregnancy and lactation. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Prolactin?

Prolactin is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Female Quick Check Basic Panel.

Biomarker Reference · PRL

What does the Prolactin test measure?

Prolactin (PRL) is a clinical biomarker used in female-hormones assessment. Prolactin is secreted by anterior pituitary lactotrophs under predominantly inhibitory dopaminergic control. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Non-pregnant women approximately 4–23 ng/mL (85–500 mIU/L); substantially higher in pregnancy and lactation
Units: ng/mL, mIU/L
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Female Hormones

Functional medicine optimalNot applicable — a result within the reference interval is the expected finding

What is Prolactin?

Prolactin is secreted by anterior pituitary lactotrophs under predominantly inhibitory dopaminergic control. Pathological elevation suppresses gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and causes secondary hypogonadism, which is the mechanism linking hyperprolactinaemia to menstrual disturbance and infertility. Circulating prolactin includes both biologically active monomeric prolactin and macroprolactin, an immunoreactive but inactive immunoglobulin complex.

Why is Prolactin measured?

Prolactin is included because hyperprolactinaemia is a readily identifiable and treatable cause of oligomenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea, and infertility. Two analytical pitfalls apply: macroprolactin falsely elevates the measured value in patients without true hyperprolactinaemia and should be excluded by polyethylene glycol precipitation where the result is unexplained, and the high-dose hook effect can produce a falsely low result in the presence of a very large prolactinoma. Venepuncture stress alone raises prolactin, so a mild elevation warrants a rested repeat sample before investigation.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Non-pregnant women approximately 4–23 ng/mL (85–500 mIU/L); substantially higher in pregnancy and lactation
Functional medicine optimal: Not applicable — a result within the reference interval is the expected finding
Units: ng/mL, mIU/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Prolactin

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HRF-007Comprehensive

Female Quick Check Basic Panel

Prolactin reference range in this test: Non-pregnant women approximately 4–23 ng/mL (85–500 mIU/L); substantially higher in pregnancy and lactation

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Follicle Stimulating HormoneFSH1 test Luteinising HormoneLH1 test Oestradiol (E2)E21 test Thyroid Stimulating HormoneTSH1 test Testosterone, TotalTotal T1 test

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