From the Guidelines
Normal prolactin levels typically range from 5 to 25 ng/mL (or 5 to 25 μg/L) for non-pregnant women, and from 5 to 20 ng/mL for men. These levels can vary by sex and reproductive status, with pregnancy and breastfeeding being notable exceptions where prolactin levels are naturally elevated 1. It's essential to consider these variations and the specific laboratory's reference range when interpreting prolactin levels, as different testing methods can yield slightly different results.
Key Considerations
- Prolactin levels can be influenced by various factors, including stress, hypothyroidism, renal and/or hepatic impairment, and certain medications 1.
- Age-specific and sex-specific prolactin reference ranges are necessary for accurate diagnosis, especially in children and adolescents 1.
- A single prolactin measurement can be sufficient for assessment, but serial measurements over time may be necessary to exclude the effect of stress and prolactin pulsatility 1.
Normal Ranges
- Non-pregnant women: 5-25 ng/mL (or 5-25 μg/L)
- Men: 5-20 ng/mL
- Pregnancy: up to 200 ng/mL by the end of pregnancy
- Breastfeeding: 100-250 ng/mL It's crucial to interpret prolactin levels in the context of the individual's clinical presentation and medical history, as elevated or abnormally low levels can indicate various underlying conditions, such as pituitary tumors, hormonal disorders, or pituitary insufficiency 1.
From the Research
Normal Prolactin Levels
The normal prolactin level can vary depending on several factors, including the laboratory and the individual's health status.
- Prolactin levels can be affected by various conditions, such as pituitary tumors, thyroid disorders, and certain medications 2, 3.
- The treatment of hyperprolactinemia, a condition characterized by elevated prolactin levels, often involves the use of dopamine-receptor agonists, such as bromocriptine and cabergoline 2, 4.
- These medications can help normalize prolactin levels, restore gonadal function, and reduce tumor size in patients with prolactinomas 2, 4, 5.
- However, the optimal treatment approach may vary depending on the individual's specific condition and medical history 3, 6.
Prolactin Level Ranges
- The normal range for prolactin levels can vary depending on the laboratory, but it is typically considered to be between 2-18 ng/mL for non-pregnant women and 2-15 ng/mL for men 3.
- Elevated prolactin levels can be indicative of hyperprolactinemia, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including pituitary tumors, thyroid disorders, and certain medications 2, 3.
- In patients with prolactinomas, prolactin levels can be significantly elevated, often exceeding 200 ng/mL 2, 4.
Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia
- The primary treatment for hyperprolactinemia is medical therapy, using dopamine-receptor agonists such as bromocriptine and cabergoline 2, 3, 4.
- These medications can help normalize prolactin levels, restore gonadal function, and reduce tumor size in patients with prolactinomas 2, 4, 5.
- In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, particularly if the tumor is large or if medical therapy is not effective 3, 6.