Hormones
Prolactin
Unit: ng/mLID: H011
What This Test Measures
Pituitary hormone; milk production, reproductive function
Conventional vs. Functional Optimal Range
Conventional "Normal"
2-18 (men), 3-30 (women) ng/mLYour doctor says you're "fine" anywhere in this range
Functional Optimal
4-10 (men), 4.8-10 (women) ng/mLThis is where you actually feel great
The gap between these ranges is why you feel terrible with "normal" labs. Conventional medicine waits for disease. Functional medicine optimizes for health.
Gabriel's Take
Prolactin >20 (men) or >30 (women, non-pregnant) can suppress testosterone/libido, cause ED, and signal pituitary tumor (prolactinoma). Many medications raise prolactin. Functional optimal: mid-range. High prolactin is often missed cause of sexual dysfunction.
When This Test Is High
Prolactinoma (pituitary tumor), medication side effect
When This Test Is Low
Rarely concerning unless very low
Related Conditions
High prolactin: low libido, ED, infertility, galactorrhea
Recommended Follow-Up
If elevated, recheck fasting (prolactin rises with stress/eating); MRI pituitary if persistently high