Normal Values:

The normal values for prolactin are as follows:

• Males: 2 - 18 ng/mL
• Nonpregnant females: 2 - 29 ng/mL
• Pregnant women: 10 - 209 ng/mL

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

Note: ng/mL = nanograms per milliliter

What abnormal results mean:

People with the following conditions may have high prolactin levels:

• Chest wall trauma or irritation
• Hypothalamic disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Pituitary tumor that makes prolactin (prolactinoma)
• Other pituitary tumors and diseases

Certain medications can also raise prolactin levels, including:

• Antidepressants
• Butyrophenones
• Estrogens
• H2 blockers
• Methyldopa
• Metoclopramide
• Phenothiazines
• Reserpine
• Risperidone
• Verapamil

If your prolactin levels are high, the test may be repeated in the early morning after an 8-hour fast.