Prolactin Test In Delhi - Price & Details

A prolactin (PRL) test is a blood test that determines the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced primarily by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Prolactin is essential for breast development during pregnancy and for stimulating milk secretion after delivery. Therefore, prolactin levels normally rise during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Beyond its role in lactation, prolactin contributes to various physiological processes in the body. However, excessively high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinaemia) can disrupt the normal balance of reproductive hormones in both women and men. This may result in symptoms such as irregularities in periods (menstruation), difficulty conceiving, infertility, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or milk discharge unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The prolactin test is frequently used to assess symptoms associated with abnormal prolactin levels, examine pituitary gland health, and track the progress of treatment in individuals with prolactin-related conditions. Depending on the results, further investigations may be recommended to identify the underlying cause of the hormonal imbalance.

You may be prescribed a prolactin test if high prolactin levels are suspected:

• Women (or those assigned female at birth): irregular or missed periods, breast tenderness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, infertility, or breast milk production unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Men (or those assigned male at birth): reduced libido, difficulty in keeping an erection, infertility, enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia), or nipple discharge (galactorrhoea).
• Unexplained headaches or vision problems, which may be due to pressure exerted on nearby structures by a prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland).
• To monitor treatment progression in individuals with prolactinoma and to check recurrence following treatment.
• In postpartum women who are unable to produce sufficient breast milk, low prolactin levels may be suspected.

• The prolactin test may be repeated if an elevated result when the test was done the first time. This is because prolactin levels can naturally increase in the body in response to factors such as stress, exercise, or sexual activity.
• The test may also be repeated periodically for individuals who are undergoing treatment for prolactinemia and to check for recurrence in those who have had prolactinemia before.

The prolactin test, along with other tests, may help diagnose the following conditions:

• 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, and anti-nausea medicines

Lower-than-normal prolactin levels are rare but may be due to an injury to the pituitary gland (hypopituitarism). It can also be due to certain medications such as dopamine, levodopa, and ergot alkaloid derivatives.

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 medications, such as antipsychotic drugs, birth control pills, medicines for nausea and vomiting, and high blood pressure medications, may cause prolactin levels to change. Your doctor should be informed about these, however, it should not be stopped or modified unless specifically advised by them.

You may be advised to abstain from strenuous exercise, sex, and breast or nipple stimulation for up to 24 hours before the test, as these can transiently increase prolactin levels.

What to Expect Before the Test

• The peak level of prolactin typically occurs between 4 AM and 7 AM, therefore, the ideal time to measure prolactin is during the mid-morning hours, preferably in a fasting state. Fasting is not always a necessary condition for measuring prolactin levels, except when a mild elevation in the initial value is noted.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• This test involves a blood draw for a sample. A phlebotomist or other trained professional will insert an intravenous (IV) needle into a vein (usually a vein in your arm) and fill up one or more test tubes with blood. A slight sting may be felt when the needle is inserted and removed.

What to Expect After the Test

• Mild throbbing at the site may be felt after the blood is drawn which will pass in a few moments. Once the sample is analysed in the laboratory, the test reports will be uploaded to the PharmEasy platform after review by a medical practitioner. You can download the report to your device from the comfort of your home.

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).

Prolactin is a pulsatile hormone that is released in bursts, and may be affected by stress, physical activity, food, breast stimulation, sleep, and even blood collection itself. Therefore, a single test is insufficient and may require repeat testing if levels are higher.

The table below shows standard reference ranges of prolactin levels.

Important note: Normal prolactin ranges vary between laboratories and assay methods. Please refer 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

• Minor risks involved with blood draw may occasionally occur such as mild pain, slight bleeding, bruising, dizziness, or light-headedness. Rarely, vein access may be difficult.
• Medical attention should be sought if persistent bleeding, swelling, redness, or severe pain develops.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Slightly elevated results are often confirmed with a repeat test because prolactin levels may temporarily rise due to exercising, emotional stress, or other short-term factors.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding are associated with naturally higher prolactin levels and should be considered when interpreting test findings.
• Certain medications can elevate prolactin levels and influence test results.
• In some individuals, raised prolactin levels may be caused by macroprolactin, a biologically inactive form of the hormone. Further testing may be advised.

In Delhi, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is typically priced around INR 369. The cost can vary depending on factors such as the diagnostic centre and local pricing differences. For better comparison, you can explore Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Dwarka
• Vasant Kunj
• Saket
• Chhattarpur
• Greater Kailash
• Lajpat Nagar
• South Extension
• East of Kailash
• Green Park
• Janakpuri
• Rajouri Garden
• Paschim Vihar
• Punjabi Bagh
• Rohini
• Pitampura
• Preet Vihar
• Mayur Vihar
• Karol Bagh
• Connaught Place
• Civil Lines

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