Serum Prolactin (Prolactin)
Prolactin is an anterior pituitary peptide hormone whose primary physiological role is lactation in postpartum women, under tonic inhibition by hypothalamic dopamine.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Rangesng/mL
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
4.0 - 15.2 ng/mL (Male), 4.8 - 23.3 ng/mL (Female)
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
4.0 - 10.0 ng/mL
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Unlike other pituitary hormones, prolactin is regulated primarily by negative dopaminergic tone via D2 receptors on lactotrophs. Hyperprolactinemia suppresses pulsatile GnRH, causing hypogonadism.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (Prolactin High)
- •Prolactinoma (pituitary adenoma)
- •Dopamine-antagonist medications (antipsychotics, metoclopramide)
- •Primary hypothyroidism (high TRH stimulates prolactin)
- •Chronic kidney disease
Low Levels (Prolactin Low)
- •Pituitary apoplexy / Sheehan syndrome (rare)
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Blood draw must occur strictly between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM to account for steep circadian cortisol and testosterone peaks. Ensure 8 hours of restful sleep prior; night shift work or sleep deprivation severely blunts endocrine pulsatility. Discontinue biotin supplements for 72 hours before thyroid or steroid testing to prevent false immunoassay results. For reproductive hormones in premenopausal females, precisely document the day of the menstrual cycle (Day 3 for baseline follicular, Day 21 for luteal).
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Free Hormone Equilibrium Dialysis or LC-MS/MS assay for direct bioavailable hormone quantification
- Pituitary trophic hormone panel (TSH, LH, FSH, ACTH, Prolactin) to differentiate primary vs central secondary endocrinopathies
- Autoantibody quantification (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies, Thyroglobulin Antibodies, 21-Hydroxylase Antibodies)
- Pelvic, testicular, or thyroid high-resolution ultrasound imaging to assess glandular parenchymal architecture
- Dynamic endocrine stimulation testing (Cosyntropin/ACTH stimulation test, Dexamethasone suppression test, GnRH test)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (1)
- [1]Diagnosis and Management of Hyperprolactinemia - Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2021). PMID: 33621440
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Serum Prolactin (Prolactin) into overall healthspan optimization.