The normal values for prolactin are as follows:

• Males: 2 - 18 ng/mL
• Non-pregnant females: 2 - 29 ng/mL
• Pregnant women: 10 - 209 ng/mL

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

Note: ng/mL = nanograms per milliliter

People with the following conditions may have high prolactin levels:

• Chest wall trauma or irritation
• Hypothalamic disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Pituitary tumor that makes prolactin (prolactinoma)
• Other pituitary tumors and diseases

Certain medications can also raise prolactin levels, including:

• Antidepressants
• Butyrophenones
• Estrogens
• H2 blockers
• Methyldopa
• Metoclopramide
• Phenothiazines
• Reserpine
• Risperidone
• Verapamil

If your prolactin levels are high, the test may be repeated in the early morning after an 8-hour fast.