Prolactin Test

A Prolactin test is done to check the amount of prolactin in a sample of your blood. The pituitary gland, which is a small gland situated near the base of the brain, secretes the hormone prolactin. Hormones are chemical messengers that circulate in the blood and regulate the function of specific cells or organs. The primary function of prolactin is to promote the breast tissue to grow during pregnancy and produce milk after delivery. Thus, prolactin levels are normally high in pregnancy and in new mothers. If prolactin levels increase in men and women (who are not pregnant or nursing), it can trigger the production of breast milk. In women, high prolactin levels (or hyperprolactinaemia) can affect the functioning of ovaries and lead to menstrual irregularities and infertility (inability to conceive). In men, high prolactin levels can affect the functioning of the testes and result in decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection). High prolactin levels can be caused by several conditions, such as pituitary gland disorders, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or even certain medications. A Prolactin test cannot identify the cause of high prolactin levels, but knowing your prolactin level can help your doctor decide which other tests are needed to find the cause of your symptoms. In cities with a stressful lifestyle like, this test is useful to find out whether symptoms like menstrual irregularities, infertility, and decreased sex drive are caused by altered prolactin levels or conditions like stress.

What the 1 parameters cover

Typical reference ranges — your report marks anything outside them:

A Prolactin Blood test at homeis usually ordered along with other tests in the following situations: 1,2 To find the cause of: Nipple discharge or breastmilk secretion in men and nonpregnant women Irregular periods in women Erectile dysfunction in men Low sex drive and fertility issues in men and women To diagnose pituitary tumours: A Prolactin Blood test is often done to help diagnose a prolactinoma. Along with symptoms of high prolactin levels, a prolactinoma that is untreated can progress to cause headaches, changes in vision, and low levels of other pituitary hormones, such as cortisol and thyroid hormones. Your doctor may also recommend imaging studies to check for pituitary tumours. To monitor a prolactinoma and check if the treatment is working. Retesting is also done after treatment to check for tumour recurrence. To check prolactin levels in new moms who have reduced milk production after childbirth.

Understanding your report

What your results can mean — always review them with your doctor:

The normal range of prolactin in the blood is as follows: Depending on your gender, symptoms, medical history, and the results of any other tests done, your doctor will interpret the results of your Prolactin test. High prolactin levels in men and nonpregnant women may be seen in conditions such as: Prolactinoma or other pituitary gland disorders Disorders affecting the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and other vital body functions. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women Hypothyroidism Kidney disease Cirrhosis, or scarring of liver Low prolactin levels are rare but may indicate a pituitary problem. Without adequate prolactin, a woman may not produce enough breastmilk after giving birth. Since blood prolactin levels fluctuate, your doctor may suggest getting tested again to confirm the results.