Lever
Lifestyle
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Regular physical exercise
- Adequate sleep
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 and reproductive functions.
Reference Ranges
Reference
4–23ng/mL
4
23
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Unit · ng/mLLevels can vary with sex, age, and physiological states like pregnancy.
Overview
Übersicht
Prolactin (PRL), also known as luteotrophin, is a polypeptide hormone primarily produced by lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in lactation, reproductive functions, and immune system regulation. Researchers have identified two main isoforms: the full-length 23-kDa PRL and smaller fragments known as vasoinhibins, each with distinct biological activities. Clinically, prolactin levels are significant in diagnosing and managing conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, prolactinomas, and metabolic syndrome. Elevated prolactin can indicate pituitary disorders, while low levels may be associated with metabolic and mood disturbances in men. In athletes and biohackers, prolactin's role in metabolism and recovery is of interest, as it may influence energy balance and stress responses. However, prolactin levels can be affected by various factors, including time of day, stress, and certain medications, necessitating careful interpretation of test results. Researchers observed that prolactin levels fluctuate diurnally, peaking during sleep, and can be influenced by physiological states like pregnancy and lactation, as well as pathological conditions such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated prolactin levels can indicate pituitary adenomas, hypothyroidism, or renal insufficiency. Reduced levels may be associated with hypopituitarism or dopamine agonist therapy.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising prolactin levels may suggest pituitary adenoma growth or hypothyroidism. Re-test in 4-6 weeks if elevated.
Falling Values
Falling levels may indicate effective treatment of hyperprolactinemia or pituitary dysfunction.
Re-test Interval
4 weeks if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Pituitary adenomas
- Hypothyroidism
- Renal insufficiency
- Pregnancy
- Stress
Cause
Low Levels
- Hypopituitarism
- Dopamine agonist therapy
- Severe liver disease
- Hypothalamic dysfunction
- Excessive dopaminergic activity
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Balanced diet rich in whole foods
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Adequate hydration
Lever
Supplementation
- Vitamin B6
- Zinc
- Ashwagandha
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes, especially if underlying health conditions are present.
Testing Guidelines
✓Fasting Not Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
Prolactin levels peak during sleep; morning samples are preferred for consistency.
Testing Frequency
Annually for those with symptoms or risk factors; more frequently if monitoring a known condition.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Stress
- Certain medications
Related Peptides & Hormones
Dopamine
hormoneMay affect
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the relationship between prolactin levels and metabolic syndrome, particularly in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome and during pregnancy, remains debated, with conflicting findings on optimal reference ranges and confounding factors. Emerging research directions include the investigation of prolactin fragments, such as vasoinhibins, in cardiovascular diseases. However, clinical questions about the physiological role of low prolactin levels in men and the implications of macroprolactinemia in symptomatic patients remain unanswered.
19 Research Publications
288
Total Citations
4
Human/RCT
1.8
Avg. Influence
2026
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Stress-Induced Hyperprolactinemia: Pathophysiology and Clinical Approach.
ReviewInfluence4.0
95
Researchers examined the physiological functions of prolactin, emphasizing that stress is a significant cause of hyperprolactinemia. The study provided an overview of prolactin's role in various physiological conditions and its clinical implications.
02Top
#02
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.
03Top
#03
Laboratory and clinical significance of macroprolactinemia in women with hyperprolactinemia.
ReviewInfluence3.0
30
This study discussed the controversial role of macroprolactinemia in women with hyperprolactinemia, suggesting it may often be benign. Researchers found that symptoms of hyperprolactinemia correlate with monomeric prolactin levels, indicating the need for careful diagnosis and individualized treatment.
04
#04
The clinical significance of endometrial prolactin.
ReviewInfluence1.0
26
This study highlighted that prolactin is produced by the endometrium and has important roles in pregnancy. Researchers found that endometrial prolactin may influence labor and fetal development, suggesting its significant biological functions beyond the pituitary gland.
05
#05
Prolactin in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Metabolic Effects and Therapeutic Prospects.
ReviewInfluence1.0
21
Researchers examined the role of prolactin in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), noting its influence on metabolic health. The study highlighted the need for further research on the relationship between prolactin levels and metabolic outcomes in PCOS patients.
06
#06
Pituitary hyperplasia.
ReviewInfluence1.0
21
This study examined the various forms of pituitary hyperplasia, highlighting that prolactin cells are most prone to non-neoplastic proliferation. Researchers found that physiological hyperplasia occurs during pregnancy and lactation, while pathological hyperplasia is often secondary to other conditions. Hyperprolactinemia frequently accompanies severe thyrotroph hyperplasia.
07
#07
Metabolic Syndrome in Hyperprolactinemia.
Review
20
Researchers found that hyperprolactinemia is associated with components of metabolic syndrome, particularly during pregnancy. The study observed that dopamine-D2-agonist therapy can improve metabolic syndrome in patients with prolactinoma. Additionally, prolactin levels may vary in relation to metabolic risk markers in different populations.
08
#08
The role of prolactin/vasoinhibins in cardiovascular diseases.
ReviewInfluence1.0
8
Researchers explored the role of prolactin and its fragments in cardiovascular diseases, noting that they can have differing effects on vascular function. The study focused on the mechanisms and clinical significance of prolactin in relation to cardiovascular health.
09
#09
Antipsychotics-induced hyperprolactinemia and screening for macroprolactin.
Ruljancic Nedjeljka, et al. · Biochemia medica · 2021
Case Report
7
This study investigated the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia in female patients on antipsychotic medications. Researchers found that macroprolactin presence did not significantly affect the categorization of hyperprolactinemia severity, indicating consistent results across testing methods.
Key findings
- 01Researchers found that all female patients had elevated prolactin levels while on antipsychotic drugs.
- 02The presence of macroprolactin did not change the categorization of prolactin level severity among the patients.
- 03There was a strong correlation between total prolactin concentrations and those measured after macroprolactin precipitation.
10
#10
Macroprolactin: From laboratory to clinical practice.
ReviewInfluence1.0
6
This study focused on the clinical practice of prolactin measurement and the implications of macroprolactinemia. Researchers found that inadequate interpretation of prolactin levels can lead to misdiagnosis and emphasized the need for standardized testing approaches.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Prolaktin over time
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