Prolactin Test in Gwalior - Price & Details

Prolactin can be described as a hormone that's responsible for lactation. It is also meant for breast tissue development and plays a part in hundreds of other bodily processes. If you're assigned male at birth, the prolactin levels are generally going to be low. You will see a higher level of prolactin in people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It comes from the pituitary gland, which makes and releases the hormone. Apart from the pituitary gland, your central nervous system, immune system, uterus and mammary glands are also capable of producing prolactin. Prolactin is created in tissues because of any of the following factors:

• Stress
• Nipple stimulation
• Exercise

The normal range of prolactin levels is as follows:

• For men, it is less than 20 ng/m
• For non-pregnant women, it is less than 23 ng/ml
• For pregnant women, it is in the range of 80-400 ng/ml

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

As you can see, prolactin levels in a pregnant woman are far more when compared with a normal man or woman. In women, too much prolactin can also cause menstrual problems and infertility. It might also be a problem for men as it can cause lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction in their bodies. Therefore, higher levels of prolactin might be a problem more often.

Here are the symptoms that will make it necessary for you to have a prolactin test:

• Production of breast milk if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Nipple discharge
• Headaches
• Changes in vision

For people who are assigned male at birth, the following symptoms will call for a prolactin test:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Low levels of testosterone
• Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)

Other reasons for people that are assigned male at birth are as below:

• Pain or discomfort during penetrative sex due to vaginal dryness
• Troubles in menstruation not related to menopause, such as irregular periods (menstruation) or no periods (amenorrhea)

No fasting is required to prepare for this test. But you should try to get the test done three or four hours after waking up.

During the Prolactin Test

An experienced phlebotomist will reach your place once you have booked the test. It is a simple blood test that will be over in 5-10 minutes. A small amount of blood will be collected and put in a collection tube for further examination. It is made sure that your vein is comfortably located using a vein finder.