Lever
Lifestyle
- Manage stress levels
- Ensure adequate sleep
- Regular physical activity
Blutwerte · Marker
Prolaktin
Prolactin · PRL · Luteotrophin
Hormone — ReproduktionsachseZeitabhängig
- Einheit:
- ng/mL
- Abbreviation
- PRL
Prolactin measures the concentration of the hormone prolactin in the blood, which is involved in lactation, reproductive functions, and various other biological processes.
Reference Ranges
Reference
4–23ng/mL
4
23
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mLProlactin levels are higher in females, especially during pregnancy and lactation. Levels can vary with time of day and fasting status.
Overview
Übersicht
Prolactin (PRL), also known as luteotrophin, is a peptide hormone primarily secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in lactation and reproductive functions, but it is also involved in over 300 different biological processes, including immune system regulation and metabolism. Researchers have observed that prolactin is synthesized in various tissues, including thymocytes and T lymphocytes, indicating its diverse physiological roles. Clinically, prolactin levels are significant in diagnosing and managing conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, prolactinomas, and metabolic syndrome. Elevated prolactin levels can indicate pituitary disorders, stress, or physiological states like pregnancy and lactation. Hyperprolactinemia is associated with metabolic syndrome components, particularly in patients with prolactinomas and those undergoing dopamine-D2-agonist therapy. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, prolactin's role in metabolism and immune function may be of interest, although its direct impact on performance is less clear. Prolactin levels can be influenced by factors such as stress, sleep, and dietary protein intake, which may confound diagnostic interpretations. Researchers found that prolactin secretion is sensitive to time of day and may vary with fasting status, making standardized testing conditions essential for accurate assessment.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated prolactin levels can indicate pituitary disorders, such as prolactinomas, or physiological states like pregnancy and lactation. Low prolactin levels may be associated with increased dopaminergic activity or certain endocrine disorders.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising prolactin levels may suggest the development of a prolactinoma or increased stress. Retesting in 4-6 weeks is recommended if levels are outside the normal range.
Falling Values
Falling prolactin levels may indicate effective treatment of a prolactinoma or increased dopaminergic activity.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Prolactinoma
- Stress
- Hypothyroidism
Cause
Low Levels
- Dopaminergic medication
- Hypopituitarism
- Increased dopaminergic activity
- Certain endocrine disorders
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet with adequate protein
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Limit caffeine intake
Lever
Supplementation
- Vitamin B6
- Zinc
- Ashwagandha
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle or dietary changes, especially if underlying health conditions are present.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
Prolactin levels can vary throughout the day; morning measurements are preferred for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if managing a prolactinoma or related condition.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Stress
- Certain medications
Related Peptides & Hormones
Cortisol
hormoneCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the relationship between prolactin levels and metabolic syndrome markers remains debated, particularly regarding optimal reference ranges and the impact of confounding factors like stress and dietary protein intake. Emerging research directions include the exploration of prolactin fragments and their role in metabolism, as well as the potential of prolactin as a biomarker for chronic graft-versus-host disease activity. However, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the prognostic significance of hyperprolactinemia in various patient subgroups.
48 Research Publications
982
Total Citations
18
Human/RCT
3.2
Avg. Influence
2026
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
PRL PTPs: mediators and markers of cancer progression.
ReviewInfluence20.0
210
Researchers explored the role of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in cancer progression, particularly focusing on the PRL subgroup. They found that enhanced expression of PRL-1 and PRL-3 is linked to tumorigenic properties and may serve as biomarkers for cancer prognosis.
02Top
#02
Neuroendocrine regulation of lactation and milk production.
ReviewInfluence5.0
110
This study focused on the neuroendocrine regulation of lactation, highlighting the role of prolactin in milk production. Researchers explained how suckling decreases dopamine release, leading to increased prolactin secretion necessary for milk synthesis.
03Top
#03
Stress-Induced Hyperprolactinemia: Pathophysiology and Clinical Approach.
ReviewInfluence4.0
103
This review discussed various causes of hyperprolactinemia, emphasizing the role of stress as a significant physiological factor. Researchers highlighted the diverse physiological functions of prolactin beyond lactation and the ongoing exploration of its clinical significance in stress-related conditions.
04
05
#05
Prolactin stimulation by meals is related to protein content.
Human
48
Researchers studied the effect of meals on prolactin secretion and found that protein intake significantly stimulated prolactin release in both men and women. They concluded that dietary protein may play a role in prolactin secretion, which could complicate the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia.
06
#06
The Interplay Between Prolactin and Reproductive System: Focus on Uterine Pathophysiology.
ReviewInfluence3.0
47
Researchers focused on the role of prolactin in uterine pathophysiology, particularly in relation to cancers. The study found that elevated prolactin levels are associated with various uterine diseases, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and treatment.
07
#07
Laboratory and clinical significance of macroprolactinemia in women with hyperprolactinemia.
ReviewInfluence3.0
32
Researchers examined the role of macroprolactinemia in women with hyperprolactinemia, noting that it can lead to clinical dilemmas. The study found that while macroprolactinemia is often benign, some patients experience symptoms related to true hyperprolactinemia, necessitating careful diagnosis.
08
#08
Pharmacodynamics of the antiprogesterone RU486 in women after oral administration.
Human
32
Researchers investigated the pharmacodynamics of RU486 and its effects on hormone secretion in women. They found that RU486 administration resulted in a mild elevation of prolactin levels, suggesting a potential impact on prolactin regulation.
09
#09
Examination of rat placental lactogen and prolactin at 6-hr intervals during midpregnancy.
AnimalInfluence2.0
31
Researchers examined the secretion patterns of rat placental lactogen and prolactin during midpregnancy. They observed significant peaks in placental lactogen levels and an inverse relationship with nocturnal prolactin surges, indicating complex hormonal interactions during pregnancy.
10
#10
Colocalization of prolactin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the anterior pituitary during estrogen-induced pituitary tumors.
Animal
28
This study investigated the effects of chronic estrogen treatment on prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors in rats. Researchers found a time-dependent increase in both proliferative cells and lactotropes, suggesting that estrogen influences lactotrope proliferation during tumorigenesis.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Prolaktin over time
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