Prolactin blood test
A pituitary hormone best known for milk production. In men, too much lowers libido and testosterone.
- Typical range (adult men)
- 4–15.2 ng/mL
- Panel
- Hormones
- Also called
- PRL
Reference ranges vary between labs; use the range on your own report. Results need to be read by a doctor alongside your symptoms and other tests.
Why it’s tested
Checked when libido or erections drop and testosterone looks fine, and with some compounds that raise it.
What can raise it
- Stress, poor sleep or recent exercise
- Some medications, including antipsychotics
- Some nandrolone and trenbolone-type compounds (reported)
- Pituitary adenoma
What can lower it
- Usually not a concern
- Dopamine agonist medication
Getting an accurate result
- Test in the morning, especially for hormones, which run highest early in the day.
- Stay hydrated, and test at the same lab and time of day each time so results compare fairly.
Other hormones tests
Questions
What is a normal Prolactin level?
A typical adult male reference range is 4–15.2 ng/mL. Ranges differ for women, by age and between labs, so compare with the range printed on your report.
What does high Prolactin mean?
Common reasons include stress, poor sleep or recent exercise, some medications, including antipsychotics, some nandrolone and trenbolone-type compounds (reported) and pituitary adenoma. One result outside the range isn't a diagnosis: a doctor will look at it with your other markers and history.
What does low Prolactin mean?
Common reasons include usually not a concern and dopamine agonist medication.