Prolactin

Hormones marker

Prolactin

Category: Hormones
Unit: mIU/L

Hormone from pituitary gland. Elevated levels can affect sexual function and mood.

PED Notes

19-nor compounds (Nandrolone, Trenbolone) can significantly elevate prolactin. High prolactin causes sexual dysfunction (erectile issues, anorgasmia), gyno risk, and in extreme cases lactation. Should be monitored on any 19-nor cycle. If prolactin is elevated without 19-nor use, investigate pituitary function.

When high

First-line (mild elevation):

  • P5P (active Vitamin B6) -- 50-100mg/day, often sufficient
  • Vitamin E -- 400 IU/day

Second-line (significant elevation):

  • Cabergoline (Dostinex) -- 0.25-0.5mg 2x/week, potent dopamine agonist

Pharmacological options (alternatives to cabergoline):

  • Bromocriptine -- 2.5-5mg/day; alternative dopamine agonist when cabergoline is unavailable or cost-prohibitive; significantly cheaper and often available without specialist prescription; more frequent GI side effects (nausea, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension) than cabergoline; start 1.25mg at bedtime and titrate up
  • Vitex (Chasteberry) -- 400-800mg/day; mild dopaminergic action on pituitary; reasonable pre-pharmacological step for 19-nor-driven pseudo-prolactin elevation before escalating to cabergoline; evidence is weaker but well tolerated
  • All dopamine agonists require physician oversight; monitor for mood changes, impulse control issues, and cardiac valvulopathy with long-term high-dose cabergoline

History Chart

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

45 - 375 mIU/L

VitalMetrics Range

45 - 500 mIU/L

Statistics