Prolactin
Also written: PRL
What it measures
A pituitary hormone.
Why it is ordered
Ordered with menstrual disturbance, milk discharge outside breastfeeding, or while investigating difficulty conceiving.
How to prepare
Rest quietly for 20–30 minutes before the draw; stress and exertion raise it. Many common medicines raise it too — declare them all.
Units
ng/mL ↔ mIU/L — convert here
What to ask
- Should a second sample confirm this
- Are any of my medicines in the group that raises it
This page does not include reference ranges and does not say whether your number is high or low. Reference ranges differ between laboratories and between people — read yours on your own report, with your clinician.