Prolactin Test
Booked 885 timesAlso known as:
PRL, Prolactin blood test
Blood
No
Serum
Description
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Overview
The Prolactin Test is a serological test that detects the prolactin levels in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. It normally increases when a woman is pregnant or has delivered a baby.
The Prolactin Test is a test that measures the prolactin levels in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is present at the base of the brain. The normal female body requires prolactin during pregnancy and after delivery. In addition, prolactin supports the growth of breasts and promotes milk production in women.
The Prolactin Test is prescribed to measure the prolactin levels in the blood. Measuring the prolactin levels helps diagnose prolactinoma, menstrual irregularities, infertility in women, and erectile dysfunction in men. In addition, high prolactin levels result in a condition called hyperprolactinemia.
Prolactin Test is usually prescribed when checking for pituitary tumours and to identify the cause of:
- Breast milk production not brought on by childbirth (galactorrhoea)
- Decreased libido (sex drive) in men and women
- Erectile dysfunction in men (Impotency)
- Infertility in women
- Irregular periods
- No periods (amenorrhoea)
Other Names of Prolactin Test
- Prolactin Blood Test
- PRL
What does the test measure and who is it prescribed for?
The Prolactin Test measures the levels of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It promotes breast milk production and stimulates breast development. Dopamine and estrogen control the production of prolactin in your body.
During pregnancy, levels of prolactin, estrogen and progesterone increase. Post-delivery, prolactin levels increase to initiate and maintain the breast milk supply for the developing baby. If the new mother stops breastfeeding, the prolactin levels decrease.
The Prolactin Test is prescribed for women who experience the following symptoms:
- Secretion of milk from the breast if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Nipple discharge
- Headache
- Vision changes and disturbances
- Irregular periods
- Premature menopause (periods have stopped prematurely)
- Infertility
- Breast tenderness
- No periods (amenorrhoea)
Prolactin Test is also prescribed for men who show the following symptoms:
- Nipple discharge
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decrease in body hair
- Breast enlargement
- Low testosterone levels
Sample Type
The Prolactin Test is done by taking a sample of your blood. You can combine this test with your other routine tests or get it done as a single blood test.
Test Preparation
The Prolactin Test requires you to give a blood sample for testing. Certain medicines like birth control pills, antidepressants, and antihypertensives can increase prolactin levels. If you are on these medications, inform your doctor before taking the test.
A. Before the test
Prolactin levels keep fluctuating throughout the day. It is advised to take the Prolactin Test early in the morning, after 3-4 hours of waking up.
B. During the test
It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes. You do not need to prepare for the test in any way.
C. After the test
There are no restrictions. You can resume your routine after taking the test.
Test inclusions: What parameters are included?
The Prolactin Test report detects prolactin levels in the blood.
Test Result Interpretation
High Prolactin Levels
Causes of high prolactin levels include:
- Prolactinomas (tumours that produce and release prolactin)
- Hypothalamic diseases
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Anorexia Nervosa (eating disorder)
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Pituitary tumours
- Chest wall injury or irritation
- No periods (amenorrhoea)
Prolactin levels also increase due to the use of certain medications like:
- Antidepressants
- H2 blockers
- Methyldopa
- Metoclopramide
- Estrogens
- Butyrophenones
- Opiate medicines
- Reserpine
- Phenothiazines
- Risperidone
- Verapamil
Prolactin levels also increase temporarily due to the following:
- Marijuana use
- Emotional stress
- Physical stress
- High-protein meals
- Intense breast stimulation
- Recent breast examination
- Heavy exercises done recently
Low Prolactin Levels
If your Prolactin Test results are low, then it means your pituitary gland is not working properly. This condition is known as hypopituitarism and usually does not require any treatment.
Certain medicines cause low prolactin levels like:
- Dopamine (prescribed for people in shock)
- Levodopa (prescribed for Parkinson’s disease)
- Ergot alkaloid derivatives (prescribed for severe headaches)
Risk Assessment
Prolactinoma, Menstrual Irregularities, Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction, Amenorrhoea
Price/Cost
The cost of a Prolactin Test varies depending on the city and the lab. In general, a Prolactin test price ranges between INR 275 and INR 549. Here is a breakdown of the average cost of a Prolactin test in some major cities in India:
City | Min Price | Average Price | Max Price |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 | |
275 | 412 | 549 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prolactin test for females?
The prolactin test measures the prolactin levels in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates breast development and promotes milk production during pregnancy and after childbirth. Prolactin levels are high for new mothers and pregnant women.
What happens when prolactin levels are high?
High levels of prolactin can cause breast milk production in males and in females who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Increased prolactin levels also cause infertility and menstrual irregularities in women and erectile dysfunction and low sex drive in men.
What causes high prolactin in females?
Causes of high prolactin in females include prolactinoma (a benign tumour of the pituitary gland that produces increased levels of prolactin), anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder), and diseases of the hypothalamus (the part of your brain that controls the pituitary gland). Drugs that are used to manage psychosis, high blood pressure and depression are also known to increase prolactin levels in the body.
Can high prolactin be cured?
The condition can be cured accordingly based on the cause of your high prolactin levels. Your doctor will prescribe certain medicines to reduce your prolactin levels.
Does prolactin cause weight gain?
High levels of prolactin may result in weight gain and neuropsychological disturbances.
How frequently should you take the Prolactin Test?
Prolactin Test is usually repeated based on your symptoms and ongoing treatment. Repeat Prolactin Test after 4 weeks of starting therapy. Repeat after 3-6 months of the disappearance of symptoms. Screen every 1-2 years to check for prolactin levels in case of the onset of symptoms.
What is the price of the Prolactin test?
Keep in mind that the Prolactin test price is not fixed; it may vary from Rs 275 to Rs 549, depending on factors such as location, diagnostic lab preferences and any discounts that may apply.
