Prolactin Test

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

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.

Prolactinoma, Menstrual Irregularities, Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction, Amenorrhoea

Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and recently delivered women.

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)