Journal September 25, 2026 7 min read

How Prolactin Changes with Age: A Research Overview

Prolactin is a peptide hormone best known for its role in lactation, but its secretion and regulation shift across the lifespan. This page summarises research on age-related changes in prolactin, drawing on clinical and

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How Prolactin Changes with Age

Prolactin (PRL) is a peptide hormone and cytokine, encoded by the PRL gene in humans. It is a member of the somatotropin/prolactin family and signals primarily through the prolactin receptor (PRLR), a cytokine receptor that activates the JAK/STAT pathway. Prolactin is best known for its role in mammary gland development and lactation, but it has numerous other functions, including regulation of reproduction, metabolism, and immune responses. Its secretion is pulsatile and follows a circadian rhythm, with highest levels during sleep. Serum prolactin levels are typically higher in females than males and are influenced by age, reproductive status, and various physiological and pathological conditions.

Age-related changes in prolactin secretion have been documented in both clinical and preclinical studies. In general, prolactin levels tend to be highest during reproductive years and decline with advancing age, although the pattern can vary depending on sex and health status. In women, prolactin levels may decrease after menopause, while in men, a gradual decline has been observed. However, the evidence is not entirely consistent, and some studies report stable or even increased levels in older adults. The mechanisms underlying these changes are not fully understood but may involve alterations in hypothalamic dopamine tone, which is the primary inhibitor of prolactin release, as well as changes in pituitary lactotroph function.

Research Studies

Prolactin and pituitary abscess in a POEMS-like syndrome case

A case report described a patient with a pituitary abscess and features suggestive of POEMS syndrome, a rare paraneoplastic disorder characterised by polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes [1]. The co-presentation of these conditions is extremely rare and can lead to diagnostic challenges. Pituitary abscess can cause panhypopituitarism, including prolactin deficiency, but the report did not focus on prolactin changes with age. This case highlights the importance of considering pituitary pathology in patients with complex endocrine and neurological symptoms.

Prolactin and pituitary metastasis in a tertiary-center series

A retrospective case series of 14 patients with pituitary metastasis reported that median age at diagnosis was 52.5 years [2]. Pituitary metastases can present with endocrine dysfunction, including hyperprolactinemia due to stalk effect or direct involvement of the pituitary. The study emphasised clinical red flags for early diagnosis. While the series did not specifically analyse age-related prolactin changes, it underscores that pituitary lesions can alter prolactin levels in adults, and age is a factor in the clinical presentation.

Prolactin and performance-enhancing peptides modulating the GH-IGF1 axis

A review on performance-enhancing peptides noted that some agents marketed as "research compounds" are intended to modulate the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH-IGF-1) axis [3]. These include GHRH analogues and growth hormone secretagogues. Such compounds can influence prolactin secretion indirectly, as GH and prolactin share regulatory pathways. However, the review did not provide data on age-related changes in prolactin. It serves as a reminder that exogenous peptides can perturb endocrine axes, and their effects may vary with age.

Prolactin and cagrilintide action in the dorsal vagal complex

A cross-species atlas of the dorsal vagal complex examined the effects of cagrilintide, an amylin receptor agonist, on energy balance [4]. The study identified conserved Calcr-expressing neuronal populations in the brainstem of rats, mice, and macaques. While prolactin was not a focus, the atlas provides a resource for understanding how brainstem circuits regulate energy balance and may intersect with prolactin signalling. Age-related changes in these circuits were not assessed.

Prolactin and asprosin in SSRI-induced male dysfunction

In a rat model, asprosin, a fasting-induced adipokine, was shown to restore erectile function and copulatory behaviour after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment [5]. SSRIs are known to increase prolactin levels, and hyperprolactinemia can contribute to sexual dysfunction. The study did not examine age-related prolactin changes, but it highlights the interplay between prolactin, SSRIs, and reproductive function in adult male rats.

Prolactin and secondary colostrum components in neonatal calves

A scoping review on bovine colostrum discussed the roles of secondary components such as cytokines, oligosaccharides, and fatty acids in neonatal calf physiology [6]. Prolactin is a component of colostrum and can influence neonatal development. The review focused on the first 24–48 hours after birth, a critical window for passive immunity. Age-related changes in prolactin in calves were not a primary outcome, but the review underscores the importance of early-life nutrition on endocrine development.

Prolactin as a biomarker in a blackcurrant supplement trial under hypoxia

A clinical trial is investigating the cognitive effects of a blackcurrant-based drink under normobaric hypoxia (4,500 m) [7]. Prolactin is listed among the biomarkers to be assessed, along with BDNF, hsCRP, and others. The study population includes healthy adults, and the trial may provide data on how prolactin responds to hypoxia and supplementation. However, age-related changes are not a specific aim.

Prolactin and cytokines in migraine pathophysiology

A clinical trial is exploring the role of cytokines and regulatory T lymphocytes in migraine [8]. Migraine is more prevalent in women and in patients with autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Prolactin has been implicated in migraine, and its levels can vary with hormonal status. The trial may shed light on prolactin's role in migraine, but age-related changes are not the focus.

Prolactin and probiotic effects on hormone metabolism in overweight women

A randomised controlled trial investigated the effects of a multi-strain probiotic on hormone metabolism, body composition, and emotional regulation in overweight women [9]. While prolactin was not explicitly mentioned in the abstract, the study assessed endocrine parameters. Probiotics can influence the gut-brain axis and may affect prolactin indirectly. The trial population was overweight women, and age-related changes were not a primary outcome.

Prolactin and seasonal brain plasticity in hamsters and quail

Transcriptomic analyses of limbic structures in Siberian hamsters and Japanese quail across photoperiods revealed seasonal morphological brain plasticity [10]. Prolactin is known to regulate seasonal adaptations in these species, including changes in the hippocampus and amygdala. The study provides insights into how photoperiod affects brain gene expression, which may include prolactin-related pathways. However, age-related changes were not examined.

Prolactin and hypophysitis in sarcoidosis

A systematic review characterised hypophysitis in sarcoidosis, a rare manifestation of neurosarcoidosis that can cause endocrine dysfunction [11]. Hypophysitis can lead to hyperprolactinemia or hypoprolactinemia, depending on the extent of pituitary involvement. The review focused on clinical presentation and outcomes, not on age-related prolactin changes. Nevertheless, it highlights that pituitary inflammation can alter prolactin levels at any age.

Prolactin and GnRH agonist therapy in premenopausal breast cancer

A retrospective cohort study compared goserelin and leuprolide, GnRH agonists used for ovarian function suppression in premenopausal breast cancer patients [12]. These agents induce a hypoestrogenic state, which can affect prolactin levels. The study aimed to assess differences in efficacy and safety between the two drugs. Age-related changes in prolactin were not a focus, but the study population was premenopausal women, a group with distinct prolactin dynamics.

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