Prolactin is a pituitary hormone primarily responsible for lactation and reproductive function. Measurement of serum prolactin levels helps evaluate pituitary function, investigate galactorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, and detect prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas. Prolactin is synthesized and secreted by lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, with secretion inhibited by hypothalamic dopamine. The hormone stimulates breast milk production, suppresses ovulation during lactation, and has immunomodulatory effects.
Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. While best known for its role in lactation, prolactin also modulates immune function, reproductive physiology, and dopaminergic tone. It is clinically relevant in the evaluation of amenorrhea, galactorrhea, infertility, and suspected pituitary pathology.
Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn reduces LH and FSH output — leading to hypogonadism, menstrual irregularity, or infertility. Markedly elevated prolactin (>200 ng/mL) raises suspicion for prolactinoma (pituitary adenoma). Mild elevations can result from medications (antipsychotics, SSRIs), stress, or nipple stimulation.
Prolactin is elevated by dopamine antagonism and by certain anabolic compounds, particularly those in the 19-nortestosterone family, which have progestogenic activity that stimulates prolactin release. In the context of hormonal assessment, prolactin provides information about pituitary function and dopaminergic regulation that complements gonadotropin (LH/FSH) and testosterone measurement.
Turnaround Time
3 days (up to 13 days)
Method
Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA)
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Choose your lab and check out. We send your lab requisition automatically — no doctor visit needed.
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Visit a lab service center near you for a quick blood draw (or book at-home phlebotomy where available).
See your results
Your results land in your Insider portal, ready to review and act on — that easy.
Your price
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Versus the typical direct-to-consumer retail price for this test (illustrative — consumer prices vary by provider and region).
$8.50
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$29.90
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Prolactin is a pituitary hormone primarily responsible for lactation and reproductive function. Measurement of serum prolactin levels helps evaluate pituitary function, investigate galactorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, and detect prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas.
Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. While best known for its role in lactation, prolactin also modulates immune function, reproductive physiology, and dopaminergic tone.
Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) suppresses gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which in turn reduces LH and FSH output — leading to hypogonadism, menstrual irregularity, or infertility. Markedly elevated prolactin (>200 ng/mL) raises suspicion for prolactinoma (pituitary adenoma).
The Prolactin, Serum test starts at $8.50 at Labcorp, Quest, or BioReference. No doctor's visit and no insurance needed; we do not bill insurance. Fitomics Insider members pay from $7.50.
Results for the Prolactin, Serum test are typically ready about 3 days after your draw, and up to 13 days for some samples. Your results land in your Insider portal.
No. When you order the Prolactin, Serum test from Fitomics Research Labs, a licensed physician in our 50-state network reviews and signs your requisition after checkout, and it lands in your portal and inbox. Then visit any Labcorp, Quest, or BioReference patient service center for your draw; results post to your Insider portal.
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