HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does Prolactin Level 46 Iu Mean?

I recently had blood work done to check my hormone levels due to chronic breast pain, fibrocystic breasts, headaches, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries & uterine fibroids. Everything came back normal except my prolactin level was 46iu. What could this mean? I was told it could be a small tumor in the brain that can be detected with an MRI or it could be a thyroid problem. I was also told it could be as simple as too much stress and that it was too low to signify a possible pregnancy. Any recommendations?
Thu, 29 Jan 2015
Report Abuse
Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the anterior cells of the pituitary gland. The control of prolactin secretion is regulated by the hypothalamus which is one of the structures in the brain.

The normal range of prolactin in females is 59 to 619IU/mL. Please confirm your findings as per the laboratory range used by your hospital.

MRI scan brain is done to look for any enlargement of pituitary gland responsible for the abnormal prolactin level. The other hormones like testosterone, LH and FSH are also to be measured to confirm your condition.

During
pregnancy
and
postpartum
lactation, serum prolactin can increase 10- to 20 times normal values. Exercise, stress, and sleep also cause transient
increases in prolactin levels.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Prolactin


Loading Online Doctors....
What Does Prolactin Level 46 Iu Mean?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the anterior cells of the pituitary gland. The control of prolactin secretion is regulated by the hypothalamus which is one of the structures in the brain. The normal range of prolactin in females is 59 to 619IU/mL. Please confirm your findings as per the laboratory range used by your hospital. MRI scan brain is done to look for any enlargement of pituitary gland responsible for the abnormal prolactin level. The other hormones like testosterone, LH and FSH are also to be measured to confirm your condition. During pregnancy and postpartum lactation, serum prolactin can increase 10- to 20 times normal values. Exercise, stress, and sleep also cause transient increases in prolactin levels.