Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
Male: 2-18 | Female: 2-29 (Non-pregnant) ng/mL
Pediatric
3 - 20 ng/mL
Clinical Significance
Regulates lactation. Elevated levels can suppress GnRH, leading to amenorrhea and galactorrhea in women, and hypogonadism in men.
Causes of High
- Prolactinoma (Pituitary tumor)
- Pregnancy/Lactation
- Antipsychotic medications (Dopamine antagonists)
- Primary hypothyroidism
Causes of Low
- Sheehan's syndrome
- Pituitary destruction