What level of prolactin warrants further investigation?

Sustained levels above ~500 mIU/L in men, especially with low T or visual symptoms, warrant repeat testing and possibly pituitary MRI.

Prolactin

Prolactin is a pituitary hormone. In men, persistently elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia) suppresses GnRH, lowering LH and ultimately testosterone. It's the marker that catches a prolactinoma — a benign pituitary tumour that's the most common pituitary cause of secondary hypogonadism.

Category: Hormones
Units: mIU/L
Reference range: <350 mIU/L (men)

What does a high Prolactin result mean?

Prolactinoma, certain medications (antipsychotics, opioids), hypothyroidism, chronic stress, recent nipple stimulation. Mild elevations are often non-pathological; significant elevations warrant pituitary MRI.

What does a low Prolactin result mean?

Generally not clinically significant in men.

Why does Prolactin matter?

A prolactin reading is the cheapest way to rule out a treatable pituitary cause of low T. Skip it and you miss it.

FAQs

What level of prolactin warrants further investigation?: Sustained levels above ~500 mIU/L in men, especially with low T or visual symptoms, warrant repeat testing and possibly pituitary MRI.

Want Prolactin interpreted in the context of your full panel? Every FORM bloodwork tier covers it, with an MD walking you through the result.

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