Prolactin
Answers to common questions about prolactin.
Questions on this page
What is prolactin?
Prolactin is a pituitary hormone involved primarily in breast development and milk production.
What causes high prolactin?
Possible causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Certain medications
- Hypothyroidism
- Stress
- Pituitary tumours such as prolactinoma
- Kidney or liver disease
Can stress increase prolactin?
Yes. Prolactin can rise transiently in response to stress and other physiological factors.
Does high prolactin always mean a pituitary tumour?
No.
The cause must be evaluated before concluding that a pituitary tumour is present.
What is macroprolactin?
Macroprolactin is a form of prolactin that may be biologically less active but can contribute to an elevated laboratory prolactin result.