Prolactin Test in Gurgaon - Price & Details

A prolactin (PRL) blood test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. The hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, which is located just below your brain. Prolactin helps your body work properly. It supports many actions and processes that happen in the body every day, including the creation of blood vessels.

Women who are pregnant or have just given birth, have high prolactin levels to support breast milk production. However, it’s possible to have high prolactin levels even if you are a man or a non-pregnant woman. Many common activities, such as eating a meal and exercising can affect prolactin levels and it also changes through the day.

High levels of prolactin, also known as hyperprolactinemia, can cause difficulty in conceiving in women. Periods can also become irregular. In men, it can cause erectile dysfunction and infertility. If your levels are very high, this could be a sign that you have prolactinoma, a non-cancerous tumour in your pituitary gland.

The prolactin test is commonly recommended when symptoms suggest a prolactin imbalance or when monitoring treatment for a known prolactin-related condition.

A prolactin test may be recommended when symptoms suggest abnormal prolactin levels:

• In women, elevated prolactin levels may be associated with irregular or absent menstrual periods, breast tenderness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, difficulty conceiving, or decreased bone density.
• In men, elevated prolactin levels can lead to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia), or weakened bones.
• In people who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, high prolactin levels may cause milk discharge from the breasts (galactorrhoea).
• Symptoms such as ongoing headaches, visual changes, or problems with eye movement may occur due to a prolactinoma, a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland.
• The test may be used to assess response to treatment in individuals with prolactinoma and to monitor for recurrence after treatment.
• It may also be advised for postpartum women experiencing low breast milk supply when reduced levels of prolactin are suspected.

• If a prolactin test shows higher-than-normal levels, the doctor may recommend repeating the test since factors such as stress, exercise, or recent sexual activity can temporarily increase prolactin levels.
• Repeat testing may also be advised for individuals receiving treatment for high prolactin levels to check how well the treatment is working, or for those with a previous prolactin-related condition to monitor for its return.

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

• 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 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 a diagnosis or the presence of any condition. Always consult your doctor for your test results and diagnosis.

Inform your doctor if you are taking medications for mental health conditions, birth control, nausea and vomiting, and high blood pressure, as these can affect prolactin levels and influence test results. However, medications should not be stopped or changed unless advised by a healthcare professional.

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

What to Expect Before the Test

• Prolactin levels are highest in the body in the early morning hours between 4 AM and 7 AM. It naturally fluctuates throughout the day. The test is done during mid-morning hours, 3 to 4 hours after you wake up, because that is when the prolactin levels are most stable.
• Fasting is generally not necessary. However, if an initial result returns mildly elevated, a fasting sample may be requested to confirm the finding.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• A trained phlebotomist will arrive at your home at the stipulated time.
• A small blood sample will be collected from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle after the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic.
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and may cause mild discomfort or a slight pinching sensation.

What to Expect After the Test

• The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis, and results are usually made available within a few hours that can be downloaded from the PharmEasy platform. Depending on the findings, repeat testing or additional investigations may sometimes be recommended for further evaluation.

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

• Minimal risks involved with blood sample collection may occur, such as mild discomfort, slight bleeding or bruising at the blood collection site, dizziness, or light-headedness. Applying an ice pack to the area may reduce the chance of bruising.
• Rarely, there may be difficulty locating a vein. Keeping warm and walking around a bit before the test may help avoid this.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels can be influenced by temporary factors such as stress, exercise, sleep, and sexual activity. As a result, a single elevated result may need repeat testing for confirmation.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding naturally increase prolactin levels, which can make interpretation of results more challenging.
• Certain medications may alter prolactin levels and affect test accuracy, even in the absence of an underlying medical condition.
• Elevated prolactin levels do not always indicate active disease. In some cases, the increase may be due to macroprolactin, an inactive form of the hormone that may require additional testing to identify.
• A prolactin test measures hormone levels but cannot determine the exact cause of an abnormal result. Further evaluation, including clinical assessment and additional tests, may be needed for an accurate diagnosis.

The prolactin test at PharmEasy in Gurgaon is available at a price of INR 369.

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

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

• DLF Phase 1
• DLF Phase 2
• DLF Phase 3
• DLF Phase 4
• DLF Phase 5
• Udyog Vihar
• Sector 23
• Sector 44
• Sector 67
• Sector 70
• Sushant Lok
• Sector 5
• Palam Vihar
• Nirvana Country
• Sector 14
• Sector 31
• Sector 46
• Sector 49
• Sector 56
• Sector 57

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