Prolactin is a pituitary gland hormone measured as part of a hormone panel, commonly assessed with a Prolactin blood test. Prolactin helps regulate reproductive hormone signalling and is influenced by dopamine and normal sleep-wake rhythms. High Prolactin levels may suggest hyperprolactinaemia linked to a prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, pregnancy or lactation, or medication effects (for example, some antipsychotics), while low values are less common but can reflect pituitary dysfunction. This matters because abnormal prolactin can contribute to menstrual irregularity, infertility, low libido, and fatigue. Results are best interpreted alongside thyroid function tests, LH, FSH, oestradiol or testosterone to clarify underlying causes.
Vively's health team can help you test Prolactin. You start with the Baseline Health Check, then add this test.
Every marker in range? Get your $99 back. T&Cs apply.Want to save 25%? Try our 4-Month Reset insteadProlactin is a hormone released by the anterior pituitary and largely regulated by dopamine. It follows a daily rhythm, typically rising during sleep and dipping later in the morning. Both women and men produce prolactin, though average levels differ due to hormonal influences.
Prolactin reflects how effectively the brain coordinates hormonal communication. Steady levels help support energy, mood stability, metabolic harmony, and overall physiological resilience. Monitoring it provides insight into how lifestyle patterns influence your internal balance.
Australian laboratory reference ranges commonly use:
Vively’s optimal insights focus on maintaining prolactin toward the lower-to-mid portion of these reference ranges, where levels tend to be more stable and less impacted by short-term fluctuations.
Sleep, stress, exercise, hormonal changes, nutritional patterns, physical intimacy, daily rhythms, and some supplements or medications can influence prolactin. Time of day and recent activity also matter, as levels are naturally pulsatile.
Values slightly above or below the optimal window often reflect temporary changes such as stress, sleep disruption, recent exercise, or natural hormonal variation. Persistently higher or lower values simply signal an opportunity to review lifestyle inputs or discuss further testing with a healthcare provider.
Consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, morning testing (to reduce circadian variation), managing stress, and moderating high-intensity exercise before blood draws can help maintain steadier levels. Tracking trends over time offers the clearest picture of how your habits shape hormonal balance.
This information is provided for general health and wellness purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Among 1,719 Vively members tested in 2024 to 2026, women aged 40 to 49 had a median prolactin of 182 mIU/L (middle half 144 to 241). Men the same age: 139 mIU/L. The lab range is under 530 mIU/L for women and under 360 mIU/L for men. A member median is not a target.
The line is the median member at each age. The shaded bands show where most members sit. The dashed red lines are the lab range.
| Group (mIU/L) | Members | Median | Middle 50% | 5th to 95th percentile | Lab range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women 18 to 29 | 66 | 236 | 158 to 340 | 118 to 555 | under 530 |
| Women 30 to 39 | 298 | 194 | 136 to 264 | 92 to 508 | under 530 |
| Women 40 to 49 | 380 | 182 | 144 to 241 | 99 to 392 | under 530 |
| Women 50 to 59 | 265 | 161 | 127 to 205 | 83 to 287 | under 530 |
| Women 60 and over | 111 | 129 | 106 to 186 | 81 to 290 | under 530 |
| Men 18 to 29 | 68 | 157 | 124 to 210 | 88 to 269 | under 360 |
| Men 30 to 39 | 165 | 150 | 123 to 196 | 76 to 298 | under 360 |
| Men 40 to 49 | 201 | 139 | 107 to 176 | 79 to 290 | under 360 |
| Men 50 to 59 | 111 | 136 | 110 to 175 | 84 to 337 | under 360 |
| Men 60 and over | 54 | 120 | 99 to 175 | 70 to 255 | under 360 |
Pick your sex and age, then type your result.
What is a normal prolactin level for my age?
Among 1,719 Vively members (first blood test, January 2024 to October 2026), the median prolactin for women was 236 mIU/L at 18 to 29, 194 at 30 to 39, 182 at 40 to 49, 161 at 50 to 59 and 129 at 60 and over. For men it was 157 mIU/L at 18 to 29, 150 at 30 to 39, 139 at 40 to 49, 136 at 50 to 59 and 120 at 60 and over.
The lab range is under 530 mIU/L for women and under 360 mIU/L for men. A member median is not a target or a diagnosis. If your result is outside the range on your report, talk to your GP.
How to get it: Available as one of our specialty add-on tests. Your test referral is issued straight away when you order. See how a blood test without a referral works.
Add-on test: Prolactin Test
Related tests: Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin, Total testosterone, Progesterone, Progesterone/Oestradiol Ratio
Learn more: What your hormone results can mean; What health tests should I get?
The Baseline Health Check reads 70+ markers, then your dietitian turns your results into a plan. $99 a month, first test included.
Every marker in range? Get your $99 back. T&Cs apply.