Prolactin

Lactogenic Hormone

What To Think About

• Men and nonpregnant women normally have low levels of prolactin. The only known problem caused by a lack of prolactin is not being able to make milk after pregnancy. Therefore, even people who have an abnormally low level of prolactin are not treated for the condition.
• Men may have a prolactin test if a man lacks sexual desire or if he has a hard time having an erection (erectile dysfunction). Prolactin levels may be checked when a man's testosterone levels are really low. For more information, see the medical test Testosterone.
• Treatment for a pituitary gland tumor that is making too much prolactin includes medicines (such as bromocryptine), removing the pituitary gland, or radiation therapy to the gland. The choice of treatment is based on the size of the tumor and the health and age of the person being treated.

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Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN	Last Updated: July 15, 2008
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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