Prolactin Test In Chennai - Price & Details

A prolactin (PRL) test is a blood test used to measure the amount of prolactin, a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland. Prolactin plays a key role in breast development during pregnancy and stimulates milk production after childbirth, which is why its levels are naturally elevated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

In individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinaemia) may be associated with an underlying health condition. Elevated prolactin can disrupt reproductive and hormonal function, leading to symptoms such as irregular or absent menstrual periods, infertility, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and unexpected breast milk production (galactorrhoea).

Increased prolactin levels may result from conditions such as prolactinoma (a benign pituitary tumour), hypothyroidism, kidney disease, certain medications, and other disorders affecting the pituitary gland.

The prolactin test is commonly used to investigate abnormal prolactin levels and assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of hormone-related and pituitary gland disorders.

• A prolactin test may be advised when symptoms suggest abnormally high prolactin levels. In women, these symptoms can include irregular or missed periods, infertility, nipple discharge, or breast milk production unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding. In men, elevated prolactin may cause reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlargement of breast tissue, or nipple discharge.
• In some cases, high prolactin levels are caused by a prolactinoma, a benign tumour of the pituitary gland. As the tumour grows, it may exert pressure on nearby structures, leading to symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or deficiencies of other pituitary hormones.
• The prolactin test may also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness in individuals with prolactinoma and to detect recurrence following treatment.

• A prolactin test is not typically included in routine health check-ups. The frequency of repeat measurements depends on the individual’s symptoms, underlying condition, and treatment plan.
• If a mildly elevated prolactin level is detected, the test may be repeated to confirm the result, as temporary factors such as stress can sometimes cause a transient rise in prolactin levels.
• Follow-up prolactin testing may also be recommended to monitor treatment response or to check for recurrence of conditions such as prolactinoma.

A prolactin test, along with other investigations, is used to help diagnose the following conditions:

Elevated prolactin levels in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and in men, may be due to:

• Prolactinoma or another pituitary disorder.
• Hypothalamus disease (it is an area of the brain that 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 hyperprolactinaemia: Certain medications, including some antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-nausea medicines.
• Lower-than-normal prolactin levels are rare but may be a sign of a pituitary disorder.

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.

Before a prolactin test, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications being taken, as certain medicines can affect prolactin levels. Medications should not be stopped or modified unless specifically advised by your doctor.

To help ensure accurate results, your doctor may also recommend avoiding vigorous physical activity, sexual intercourse, and breast or nipple stimulation for up to 24 hours before the test, as these factors can temporarily increase prolactin levels.

What to Expect Before the Test

As prolactin levels change throughout the day, your blood sample collection will usually be done three to four hours after you wake up. You may be advised not to have any food or water overnight until blood sample collection is done.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

A phlebotomist will collect a small blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm, using a sterile needle. The blood is then transferred into a collection tube for laboratory analysis. Some individuals may experience a brief pinching or stinging sensation during needle insertion or removal. The entire sample collection process is typically completed within a few minutes.

What to Expect After the Test

The sample will then be sent to a lab to be analysed. Your test results should be available within a few hours.

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).

Because prolactin is a pulsatile hormone and is released in bursts, a single reading can be misleading. Factors such as stress, physical activity, food, breast stimulation, sleep, and even blood collection itself can transiently raise prolactin levels.

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

There is minimal risk involved with having blood taken for the prolactin test. Blood vessels may vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Taking blood from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Bleeding
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels can be influenced by physical and emotional stress. Therefore, a mildly elevated result may need to be confirmed with a repeat test, often performed under standardised conditions.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally increase prolactin levels and should be taken into account when interpreting test results.
• Certain medications, including some antipsychotics and anti-nausea medicines, can raise prolactin levels and may affect test interpretation.
• Low prolactin levels may require further assessment of pituitary gland function and other related hormones.
• In some cases, elevated prolactin levels may be due to macroprolactin, an inactive form of the hormone that may not cause symptoms. Additional testing may be recommended when prolactin levels are high but clinical findings do not match the laboratory result.

In Chennai, the cost of a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is generally around INR 369. This price may change depending on factors like the lab and location-specific pricing. For more details, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Anna Nagar
• T. Nagar
• Adyar
• Velachery
• Nungambakkam
• Mylapore
• Alwarpet
• Besant Nagar
• Tambaram
• Porur
• Guindy
• Saidapet
• Kodambakkam
• Ashok Nagar
• Kilpauk
• Perambur
• Thiruvanmiyur
• Sholinganallur
• Medavakkam
• Perungudi

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