What is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pituitary gland. In men, it helps regulate testosterone production, sperm health, and mood. High prolactin levels can lead to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and low sperm count.
Why Does Prolactin Matter?
- Maintains healthy sperm by supporting gene signaling pathways involved in sperm production
- Reduces stress and anxiety by interacting with brain chemicals that influence mood and emotional stability
- Supports immune function by binding to receptors on immune cells and influencing their growth, activation, and signaling
Book your test now
Test 40+ biomarkers & meet with a longevity physician, uncover the root cause of symptoms
- HSA/FSA eligible
- Physician reviewed
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed
How to Interpret Prolactin?
(Ranges may vary slightly by lab)
Standard reference ranges represent the middle 95% of healthy individuals but don’t necessarily reflect levels associated with longevity. Optimal ranges are derived from clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed research, and real-world outcomes data, with an emphasis on levels associated with peak functioning and reduced disease risk.
Benefits of Optimizing Prolactin
- Healthy reproductive function
- Healthy testosterone production
- Improved immune system resilience
- Better mood and emotional stability
- Healthy metabolism
- Optimal energy balance
Know your numbers. Own your health.
40+ biomarkers that reflect how your body is functioning — and where there’s room to optimize. Plus a clinical consult and personalized treatment plan. All for $65.
Low Prolactin Levels (Hypoprolactinemia)
Low levels of prolactin are rare in men and often linked to an underactive pituitary gland.
Symptoms:
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Premature ejaculation
Causes:
- Pituitary gland disorder or damage
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Hypothyroidism
Healthspan Impacts:
- Associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome1
- Associated with sexual dysfunction
- Increased anxiety and depression
High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia)
High levels of prolactin are often present with low levels of testosterone and may be the result of certain medications (antidepressants, opioids) or underlying conditions such as chronic kidney disease or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).
Symptoms:
- Low libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
Causes:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Benign pituitary tumor
- Hypothyroidism
- Certain medications
- Stress
Healthspan Impacts:
- Sexual dysfunction and reduced libido
- Higher risk of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality rates2
Linked to type 2 diabetes3
How Hone Treats Out of Range Prolactin
Your Hone physician will evaluate prolactin alongside testosterone biomarkers including total testosterone, free testosterone, and luteinizing hormone (LH). After considering your labs, symptoms, and overall health, they’ll create a personal optimization protocol to address symptoms and improve health.
- Testosterone replacement therapy — to boost testosterone in men with prolactin-related hypogonadism
- Dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline, bromocriptine)* — to lower elevated prolactin levels
- Transsphenoidal surgery* — to remove prolactin-secreting pituitary tumors
- Radiation therapy* — to treat resistant or recurrent pituitary tumors
- Clomiphene citrate — to stimulate LH and FSH in secondary hypogonadism
*Your Hone Physician does not prescribe these treatments but will recommend further evaluation and help coordinate care with your primary care provider when medical treatment is indicated.
- Vitamin B6 (to lower prolactin)4
- Manage stress through deep breathing, mindfulness, or relaxation practices5
- Maintain regular sleep timing and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night6
- Incorporate daily moderate exercise
- Avoid highly processed foods
- Limit alcohol consumption
Krysiak, R., Kowalcze, K., Szkróbka, W., & Okopień, B. (2024). Increased Cardiometabolic Risk in Men with Hypoprolactinemia: A Pilot Study. Biomolecules.
↑Glezer, A., et al. (2023). The interplay between prolactin and cardiovascular disease. Frontiers in Endocrinology.
↑Zenaw, A., et al. (2025). Serum prolactin level in male type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024. Scientific Reports.
↑Zhuo, C., et al. (2021). Safety and Efficacy of High-Dose Vitamin B6 as an Adjunctive Treatment for Antipsychotic-Induced Hyperprolactinemia in Male Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Frontiers in Psychiatry.
↑Levine, S., & Muneyyirci-Delale, O. (2018). Stress-Induced Hyperprolactinemia: Pathophysiology and Clinical Approach. Obstetrics and Gynecology International.
↑Abdulateef, D. S. (2023). Correlation of serum prolactin with sleep duration, wake-up hour, and phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy adult subjects. Sleep and Biological Rhythms.
↑
Reviewed for Accuracy by Our Medical Review Board
This biomarker information has been reviewed by a member of Hone’s medical review board. As part of the medical review team, physicians fact-check this content against the latest research and their own experience treating their patients.
Ashley Winter, M.D., is a board-certified urogynecologist trained at Weill Cornell and Cleveland Clinic. She specializes in female and male sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, genital pain, and hormone therapy.
James Staheli, D.O., is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia.
