1 in 10

women with irregular periods have elevated prolactin as a contributing factor

Melmed et al., JCEM 2011

Good reasons to test

Irregular, absent, or very light periods
Galactorrhoea (nipple discharge outside of breastfeeding or pregnancy)
Fertility investigation

Prolactin

No fasting required. Mid-morning (2–3 hours after waking) — prolactin is highest during sleep and rises with stress; avoid vigorous exercise or breast stimulation before testing Results arrive in 1-2 business days, explained in plain language in your dashboard. Most results sit within the usual range - that is still useful, and anything unexpected supports a conversation with your healthcare practitioner.

Targeted Testing

Prolactin

The pituitary hormone that can silently disrupt reproductive health

$65one-off, no subscription

NATA-accredited pathology
No GP referral needed
Results in 1-2 business days
Collect at 1,900+ centres

Why this test

Mildly elevated prolactin is one of the most commonly missed hormonal causes of irregular periods and fertility challenges.

Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and is best known for stimulating breast milk production. Outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia) can suppress ovulation, cause irregular or absent periods, reduce libido, and in men, lower testosterone. Common causes include pituitary microadenomas, certain medications (especially antipsychotics and anti-nausea drugs), and hypothyroidism.

Understanding your results

Within reference range

Reference ranges vary by sex and lab — see your full report for lab-specific context

Below reference range

Very low prolactin is uncommon outside of certain pituitary conditions — discuss with your healthcare practitioner if unexpected

Above reference range

Elevated prolactin warrants further investigation to identify the cause — discuss with your healthcare practitioner

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and personal context. Your result is shown against the lab's range in your dashboard, alongside what it means.

How it works

TODAY

Order online

Pick a test or panel and check out. No GP referral, no waiting room.

THIS WEEK

One quick visit

Walk into one of 1,900+ NATA-accredited collection centres. A single blood draw is all it takes.

IN 2–5 DAYS

Clear results

We translate your results into plain language in your dashboard - what each marker means, and what is in range.

ONGOING

Track over time

Retest when it matters and watch your trends, so you can see what is actually changing.

Yes. You can order a Prolactin test online from Clarity Labs without a GP referral. It's $65, collected at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres across Australia, with results in 1-2 business days via your secure online dashboard.

A Prolactin test is $65 at Clarity Labs — a one-off price with no subscription or membership. That covers your pathology request form and collection at any of 1,900+ NATA-accredited centres nationwide.

Yes — physical stress (including venepuncture itself), poor sleep, and intense exercise can all transiently elevate prolactin. A mildly elevated result is often repeated under optimal conditions before further action is taken.

Many medications can raise prolactin, including antipsychotics, metoclopramide, domperidone, some antidepressants, and opioids. Let your healthcare practitioner know all medications you are taking.

No fasting is required. Avoid vigorous exercise and arrive relaxed — prolactin rises with stress and physical exertion.

If elevated, a repeat 4-6 weeks later under calm conditions is standard before further investigation (transient elevation from stress is common). If normal, repeat only if symptoms return or change.

NATA-accredited pathologyCollected through Sonic Healthcare1,900+ collection centresNo GP referral needed

Complete your health picture

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This information is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are best interpreted with a qualified healthcare practitioner in the context of your symptoms and history.