Prolactin Test In Bengaluru - Price & Details

A prolactin (PRL) test is a blood test that assesses the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which is a small gland located at the base of the brain. Prolactin is primarily responsible for stimulating breast milk production after childbirth and therefore naturally increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, prolactin levels are typically low. Elevated prolactin levels, known as hyperprolactinemia, may occur due to conditions such as prolactinoma (a benign pituitary tumour), hypothyroidism, certain medications, or other underlying health disorders. If there is a higher level of prolactin in your body, you may develop irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, unexpected breast milk production, reduced libido, or erectile dysfunction. It can affect both women and men.

A prolactin test helps detect and monitor abnormal prolactin levels and supports the diagnosis of conditions affecting the pituitary gland, reproductive health, and hormonal balance.

A prolactin test may be recommended in individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of abnormal prolactin levels, such as:

• Women (or individuals assigned female at birth): irregular or absent menstrual periods, breast tenderness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, infertility, unexplained breast milk production (galactorrhoea), or reduced bone density.
• Men (or individuals assigned male at birth): decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia), nipple discharge, or low bone density.
• Neurological symptoms: persistent headaches, visual disturbances, or difficulty with eye movements, which may occur due to a prolactinoma (benign tumor) pressing on nearby structures.
• To monitor the effectiveness of treatment in individuals with prolactinoma and to detect recurrence after treatment.
• To evaluate possible prolactin deficiency in postpartum women who have difficulty producing an adequate breast milk supply.

• A repeat prolactin test may be advised when the initial result shows elevated prolactin levels, as temporary factors such as stress, exercise, or sexual activity can sometimes cause a transient rise in the hormone.
• Periodic prolactin testing may also be recommended for individuals undergoing treatment for hyperprolactinaemia to assess treatment effectiveness, as well as for those with a previous prolactin-related condition to monitor for recurrence.

Along with other investigations, the prolactin test may help with diagnosing:

• Prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland)
• Hypothalamus disorders (the hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and other body functions)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
• Kidney disease
• Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in women
• Medication-induced hyperprolactinemia: Certain medications, including some antipsychotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines and anti-nausea medicines
• Very low prolactin levels are uncommon and may be caused by reduced pituitary gland function or damage to the gland. Certain medications, including dopamine, levodopa, and ergot-derived drugs, can also contribute to decreased prolactin levels.

Disclaimer: The above list is for educational purposes only and does not confirm a diagnosis or the presence of any condition. Always consult your doctor for your test results and diagnosis.

Certain medicines, such as antipsychotic drugs, birth control pills, medications used to treat nausea and vomiting, and some blood pressure medicines, may alter prolactin levels and influence test results. Therefore, it is important to inform the doctor about any medications being taken. Medications should only be discontinued or adjusted under medical supervision.

For more reliable test results, the doctor may also advise avoiding vigorous physical activity, sexual intercourse, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours before the test, as these can temporarily increase prolactin levels.

What to Expect Before the Test

• Prolactin levels fluctuate throughout the day and are usually highest in the early morning hours between 4 AM and 7 AM. Therefore, a prolactin test is often scheduled during the mid-morning hours for more consistent results.
• Fasting is not routinely required; however, a fasting sample may be requested if an initial test shows a mildly elevated prolactin level and confirmation is needed.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• A healthcare professional or a trained phlebotomist will clean the skin with an antiseptic and collect a small blood sample from a vein in the arm using a sterile needle.
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and may cause mild discomfort or a slight pinching sensation.

What to Expect After the Test

• Mild throbbing at the site may also be felt after the blood is drawn. Once the blood sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where prolactin levels are measured. Once the report is ready, you can access it on PharmEasy's online portal.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

The prolactin test measures a single key parameter:

• Serum prolactin level - Measured in ng/mL (nanograms per millilitre) or mIU/L (milli-international units per litre).

The table below shows standard reference ranges of prolactin levels.

Important note: Normal prolactin ranges vary between laboratories and assay methods. Please review your reports with your doctor for better understanding.

The prolactin result must always be interpreted in the context of your gender, pregnancy status, symptoms, and current medications.

Disclaimer: This table is for educational purposes only. Prolactin interpretation requires the expertise of a qualified endocrinologist or gynaecologist. A single elevated result must be repeated before clinical decisions are made.

Potential Risks and Complications

• The prolactin test is generally safe with minimal risk. Mild pain, slight bleeding, bruising, dizziness, or light-headedness may occur at the blood draw site. Occasionally, vein access may be difficult or infection may occur. Avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise for at least 4 to 6 hours.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Since many regular day-to-day activities can affect prolactin levels, a repeat test often has to be advised in case of an elevated reading to confirm hyperprolactinemia.
• Special note should be taken when interpreting prolactin levels in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as the prolactin levels are naturally higher in these cases.
• Certain medications can elevate prolactin levels and influence test results.
• Additional investigations may be advised if an increase in prolactin levels is suspected to be due to macroprolactin, a biologically inactive form of the hormone.
• The prolactin test alone is insufficient for diagnosis. Other tests and investigations may be advised to support diagnosis.

In Bengaluru, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is typically available at around INR 369. The pricing may fluctuate depending on factors like the lab and regional cost variations. To explore better options, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

The prolactin test at PharmEasy is available across various residential and commercial areas in Bengaluru, including:

• Indiranagar
• Koramangala
• HSR Layout
• Whitefield
• Marathahalli
• Electronic City
• Jayanagar
• JP Nagar
• Banashankari
• BTM Layout
• Yelahanka
• Hebbal
• Malleshwaram
• Rajajinagar
• Basavanagudi
• Bellandur
• Mahadevapura
• KR Puram
• Kalyan Nagar
• Richmond Town

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your PIN code.