Prolactin Test In Indore - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin present in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. Hormones act as chemical messengers in the body, influencing how certain organs and tissues function. Prolactin plays a role in several bodily processes. Its primary function is to signal breast tissue to develop during pregnancy and to stimulate milk production after childbirth. It also temporarily suppresses ovulation during the early months of breastfeeding by lowering reproductive hormone levels. Prolactin also helps regulate metabolism, supports immune function, and helps regulate the body's response to stress. In women who are not pregnant, elevated prolactin levels (hyperprolactinaemia) can lead to menstrual irregularities, difficulty conceiving, and abnormal breast milk production. In men, hyperprolactinaemia may result in reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction, and rarely, breast milk production. While the prolactin test itself cannot determine the underlying cause of elevated levels, it helps doctors understand possible causes and guides further investigation planning. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available in about 10 hours to within the day, depending on your specific location in Indore.

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)
• Hypothalamus 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

• Overnight fasting is preferred for the prolactin test, but it is not compulsory. Speak with your doctor about your specific fasting requirements.
• Schedule the test 3 to 4 hours after you wake up in the morning, since prolactin levels are most stable during this time.
• Many factors affect prolactin levels. For accurate interpretation of test results, inform your doctor about:
• Current medications
• Supplements
• Existing medical conditions
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Refrain from high-intensity exercise, sexual activity, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours before the test, as these can transiently increase prolactin levels.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm for blood draw.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• The phlebotomist will ask you to sit comfortably and will clean the blood collection site, usually on the inner side of your arm, with an antiseptic.
• A tourniquet (elastic band) will be wrapped around your upper arm to make the vein easier to see and access.
• A small needle will be inserted into the vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a quick pinprick or slight stinging sensation.
• After enough blood is collected, the needle will be removed, and gentle pressure will be applied before a small bandage is placed over the site.
• If you are nervous, feel faint, or fear needles, tell the phlebotomist before the procedure. They can take steps to make you more comfortable, such as having you lie down.
• Try to stay relaxed during the blood draw. Looking away from the needle, taking slow, deep breaths, or listening to music may help make the experience more comfortable.

What to Expect After the Test

• Once the blood sample is collected, gentle pressure will be applied to the site, and a small bandage will be placed over it. Keep the bandage on for 1 to 2 hours or as advised.
• Avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise with the affected arm for the rest of the day to help minimise bruising or bleeding.
• The blood sample will be labelled and sent to the laboratory for testing using specialised equipment.
• A qualified laboratory professional will review your report before uploading it to our website. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms, medical history, and other relevant test findings.

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 refer to 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

Blood sample collection is routine and generally very safe. Side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own.

• Common: Mild pain, tenderness, slight bruising, or brief dizziness after the blood draw.
• Rare: A haematoma (blood collecting under the skin), infection at the puncture site, inflammation of the vein (phlebitis), or temporary nerve irritation.
• When to seek medical advice: Contact your doctor if you develop persistent pain, increasing redness or swelling, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection at the blood draw site; however, these side effects are rare.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Stress, exercise, sleep, and sexual activity can affect prolactin levels.
• In pregnant and breastfeeding women, diagnosis of hyperprolactinaemia is challenging since prolactin levels are higher naturally.
• Many medications affect prolactin levels. Therefore, you must disclose these to your doctor before the test.
• Higher prolactin levels may sometimes be due to macroprolactin (an inactive form of prolactin) and not actual hyperprolactinaemia.
• Other investigations are required to diagnose the underlying cause of abnormal prolactin levels.

In Indore, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is usually available at around INR 449. The price may vary depending on factors like the diagnostic centre and local demand. For a better understanding, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

You can book ProlcatinTest in Indore through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Vijay Nagar
• Palasia
• Saket Nagar
• Bengali Square
• Manorama Ganj
• Sudama Nagar
• Annapurna Road
• Rajendra Nagar
• Rau
• Chandan Nagar
• Rajwada
• Usha Nagar
• Nipania
• Anoop Nagar
• Khajrana
• Tilak Nagar
• Kanadia Road
• Manik Bagh
• South Tukoganj
• Aerodrome Road

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