Prolactin Test In Bhopal - Price & Details

The prolactin blood test measures prolactin levels in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary, a small gland at the base of your brain. Hormones are chemicals in your body that act as messengers and influence the actions of certain cells or organs. Prolactin hormone controls many body processes. Mainly, it signals breast tissue to grow during pregnancy and produce milk for breastfeeding after giving birth. It also stops ovulation during the initial months of breastfeeding by lowering reproductive hormone levels. It also supports metabolism, maintains immune system responses, and regulates the body's stress response.

In non-pregnant women, elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinaemia) can cause menstrual problems and infertility. In men, elevated levels can cause a lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED). It can also signal your body to start making breast milk. Though the prolactin test cannot determine the cause of high prolactin levels, it enables doctors to understand the reason for your symptoms and plan further investigations. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available in about 10 hours to within the day, depending on your specific location in Bhopal.

A prolactin test may be recommended in people with symptoms of abnormal prolactin levels and for monitoring treatment response:

• Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding: irregular or absent menstrual periods, breast tenderness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty conceiving, decreased bone density, or milk discharge from the breasts (galactorrhoea).
• Men: reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia), weakened bones, or galactorrhoea.
• Symptoms suggestive of prolactinoma: headaches, visual changes, or problems with eye movement.
• To assess treatment response in individuals with prolactinoma and to monitor for recurrence after treatment.
• To assess low breast milk supply in postpartum women.

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
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in women.
• Medication-induced hyperprolactinaemia: Certain medications, including some antipsychotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and anti-nausea medicines.
• Very low prolactin levels are uncommon and may indicate impaired pituitary gland function or damage to the pituitary. Certain medications, such as dopamine, levodopa, and ergot-based medicines, may also lower prolactin levels.

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

What to Expect Before the Test

• Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory before the prolactin test. Confirm the fasting requirement with your treating doctor.
• Since prolactin levels vary throughout the day, you may schedule this test around 3 to 4 hours after you wake up in the morning for accurate results.
• Inform your doctor about all current medications, supplements, and medical conditions, as some can elevate prolactin levels.
• Avoid vigorous exercise, sexual activity, and breast or nipple stimulation for up to 24 hours before the test, as these can temporarily increase prolactin levels.
• Wear comfortable clothing so the phlebotomist can collect the blood sample easily from your arm.
• Tell our phlebotomist if you have a bleeding disorder or take blood-thinning medications before the sample is collected.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• The phlebotomist will clean the blood draw site, usually on the inner arm, with an antiseptic swab. They then wrap an elastic tourniquet around the upper arm to make the vein more visible. They may also gently tap on the vein.
• A small needle is inserted to draw the blood sample, which may cause a brief pinprick or mild sting. Once the required amount is collected in a tube, the needle is removed, gentle pressure is applied, and a small bandage is placed over the site.
• If you are prone to fainting or have anxiety about needles, mention this to the phlebotomist before the sample collection. They can make the process more comfortable, such as doing the procedure while you are lying down instead of sitting up.
• You can stay calm and relaxed by breathing slowly, distracting yourself by talking with a friend or family member, or playing music to make the process smoother.

What to Expect After the Test

• Keep the bandage on for a few hours to help the site heal properly.
• Refrain from lifting heavy objects or excessive exercise with the arm where the sample was collected to reduce the chance of bruising or bleeding.
• Take the labelled tube to the diagnostic laboratory, where it will be processed. A qualified laboratory professional reviews the report before uploading it to the PharmEasy website.
• Contact your doctor to interpret your results.

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 serum prolactin levels 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 by laboratory and assay method. Please refer to 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

• Blood sample collection is generally safe, and complications are uncommon.
• The most common side effects are mild pain, slight bruising, or tenderness at the needle site.
• Some people may feel dizzy or faint during or after the blood draw.
• Rarely, a haematoma (blood collecting under the skin) or temporary nerve injury can occur, especially if the vein is difficult to access.
• In some cases, the blood sample may be damaged or unsuitable for testing during collection or transport. If this happens, you may be asked to provide another blood sample to ensure accurate results.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels can temporarily be elevated or depressed due to factors such as stress, exercise, sleep, and sexual activity. Thus, repeat testing may be advised for confirmation.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally increase prolactin levels. As a result, elevated prolactin from other causes may be missed in these women.
• Certain medications can influence prolactin levels and affect test accuracy.
• Elevated prolactin levels may sometimes be due to macroprolactin (an inactive form of prolactin) and not actual hyperprolactinaemia.
• This test cannot determine the cause of abnormal prolactin levels. Further evaluations are usually needed.

In Bhopal, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is generally available at around INR 449. The price can differ based on factors such as the diagnostic centre and regional variations. To get more clarity, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

You can book Prolactin Test in Bhopal through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Arera Colony
• Shahpura
• Kolar Road
• Bawadia Kalan
• Bagmugalia
• Trilanga
• MP Nagar
• TT Nagar
• New Market
• Habibganj
• Misrod
• BHEL
• Awadhpuri
• Ayodhya Nagar
• Ashoka Garden
• Aish Bagh
• Kohefiza
• Gandhi Nagar
• Karond
• Bairagarh

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