Prolactin

A pituitary hormone that suppresses testosterone when it is raised. A standard check in unexplained low testosterone, because a treatable cause is easy to miss.

Prolactin in the Biomarker Guide — what it is, why it is tested, and what moves the number.

Add-on markers can only be added to venous samples.

Timing

Rest for 30 minutes first. Avoid vigorous exercise and sexual activity for 48 hours — both raise it.

Turnaround: the lab reports this test within 24 hours of receiving your sample, counted in working days. Most samples reach them within about 3 days of posting. Full detail on our Turnaround Times page.

We do not interpret results. Not medical advice or a diagnosis.