Prolactin Test In Chandigarh - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin hormone present in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland situated at the base of the brain. The central nervous system, immune system, uterus, and breasts also produce smaller amounts. During pregnancy, prolactin levels increase naturally to prepare the breasts for feeding the baby. After childbirth, prolactin stimulates and regulates milk production. Its level rises when the baby feeds and the nipple is stimulated, and reduces between feeds. In women who do not breastfeed, levels usually return to the normal, non-pregnant range within a few weeks of delivery. Prolactin also helps regulate reproduction, immunity, and metabolism in both men and women. Under normal conditions, only small amounts of this hormone are present in the blood. When levels become abnormally high, the condition is called hyperprolactinaemia. Common causes include a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma), disorders of the hypothalamus, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), and certain other medical conditions. In women, high prolactin may cause irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, or milky discharge from the breasts unrelated to breastfeeding. In men, it may lead to reduced sex drive (low libido) or erectile dysfunction. Prolactin levels can also increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and due to stress or certain medicines, without any underlying disease. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available in about one to two days, depending on your specific location in Chandigarh.

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).
• Hypothalamic 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

• Usually fasting is not required for the prolactin test. However, certain medical conditions may require a fasting morning sample. Ask your doctor regarding fasting requirements for your specific situation.
• Take the blood sample 3 to 4 hours after you wake up in the morning, since prolactin levels are most stable during this period. Schedule your test timings accordingly on the PharmEasy app.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, sex, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours before the test, as these can affect prolactin levels temporarily.
• Inform your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take and health conditions you have, as these may affect your results. Also inform them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Ensure you are not dehydrated before sample collection, as dehydration can make blood draw difficult.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• A trained PharmEasy phlebotomist will arrive at your home at the scheduled time.
• A soft strap called a tourniquet will be wrapped around your upper arm to make the vein easier to locate.
• The phlebotomist will clean the skin with an antiseptic wipe, usually on the inner arm or elbow area.
• A needle attached to a small tube or syringe will be inserted into the vein. You will feel a quick pinch.
• Blood flows into the collection tube. The tourniquet is then removed, the needle is pulled out, and a cotton pad or a small band-aid is placed over the area. The whole collection process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

What to Expect After the Test

• The needle will be removed, and a cotton gauze or bandage will be placed on the site.
• You may apply gentle pressure for a few minutes to reduce bleeding and bruising.
• You can resume your normal activities immediately after the test.
• Mild soreness or bruising at the site may occur but usually resolves within a day or two.

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 review your reports with your doctor for a 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.

Potential Risks and Complications

The prolactin test is a simple and safe blood test with minimal risks, which include:

• Mild pain or stinging when the needle is inserted.
• Slight bruising or soreness at the site of blood collection.
• Minor bleeding from the puncture site.
• Light-headedness or fainting in some people, especially those anxious about needles.
• Rarely, infection at the needle site.

These effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within a short time.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Stress, sleep, exercise, or breast stimulation can affect prolactin production and temporarily elevate levels.
• Prolactin levels fluctuate throughout the day, so the timing of sample collection can affect the result.
• Ensure that you disclose your complete medication history to your doctor because many drugs can affect prolactin levels.
• An inactive form of prolactin, called macroprolactin, may cause high test results without any underlying disease.
• In rare cases of very large pituitary tumours, the test may show falsely low levels due to a laboratory effect.
• This test cannot identify the underlying cause of abnormal levels.
• Prolactin levels are naturally high during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so interpreting the test result can be difficult.

The prolactin test at PharmEasy in Chandigarh costs INR 449.

The list below compares the prices of the test across major cities:

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

• Sector 8
• Sector 11
• Sector 12
• Sector 15
• Sector 17
• Sector 18
• Sector 20
• Sector 22
• Sector 23
• Sector 26
• Sector 29
• Sector 36
• Sector 44
• Manimajra
• Mauli Jagran
• Dhanas
• Maloya
• Burail
• Daria
• Hallomajra

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