PRL
Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes
| Stands for | Prolactin |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PRL stands for Prolactin, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.
Stimulates breast milk production and is secreted by lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary; high levels suppress reproductive hormones, causing irregular periods, infertility, milk discharge and low libido. Causes include prolactin-secreting adenomas, pregnancy, hypothyroidism and drugs such as antipsychotics.
Example: PRL 142 ng/mL with amenorrhea; MRI shows 7 mm microadenoma, start cabergoline.
Usage notes
Prolactinomas are the most common hormone-secreting pituitary tumors and usually respond to dopamine agonists such as cabergoline, without surgery. Mildly raised results should be repeated, since stress and recent breast stimulation raise levels. Macroprolactin, a large inactive form, can cause misleading elevations.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- MTC – Medullary thyroid carcinoma
- NIDDM – Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
- OGTT – Oral glucose tolerance test
- PA – Primary aldosteronism
- PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome
- PHPT – Primary hyperparathyroidism
- PTC – Papillary thyroid carcinoma
- PTH – Parathyroid hormone
- RAI – Radioactive iodine
- RAIU – Radioactive iodine uptake
- SIADH – Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
- SMBG – Self-monitoring of blood glucose
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.