Prolactin Test In Jaipur - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin present in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary, a small gland located at the base of the brain. It helps breast tissue develop during pregnancy and stimulates milk production after childbirth. It also suppresses ovulation during breastfeeding. It also regulates metabolism, boosts immune system function, and influences the body's stress response. In women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, 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. Common causes of high prolactin levels are prolactinoma (a benign tumour of the pituitary), hypothyroidism, and regular use of certain medicines. The prolactin test cannot determine the underlying cause of elevated levels. However, it enables doctors to understand the reason for symptoms and plan further tests. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available in about 10 hours to within the day, depending on your specific location in Jaipur.

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

• Fasting may be required for the prolactin test, but it is not mandatory. Your doctor will advise you on this.
• Ensure you schedule the test 3 to 4 hours after you wake up in the morning since prolactin levels are most stable during this time.
• Avoid high-intensity exercises, sex, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours before the test, as these can temporarily affect prolactin levels.
• Tell your doctor about the following conditions or situations. Sharing this information helps your doctor interpret your report correctly:
• Current medications
• Supplements
• Existing medical conditions
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Wear comfortable clothing so the phlebotomist can collect the blood sample easily from your arm.
• Tell the phlebotomist if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medicines before the blood sample is collected.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• Before the blood draw, the phlebotomist cleans the blood collection site, typically the inner elbow, with an antiseptic swab to reduce infection risk. The phlebotomist then wraps a tourniquet around the upper arm and may gently tap the vein to make it more visible and easier to access. You may be asked to gently clench your fist and keep your arm steady throughout.
• A sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw the sample, and you might feel a quick pinprick or mild sting at that moment. Once blood begins flowing into the collection tube, you can relax your hand.
• After collecting the necessary amount, the phlebotomist withdraws the needle and applies gentle pressure to the site to control bleeding. A small bandage is then placed over the area to complete the process.

What to Expect After the Test

• You can resume normal activities right away, as there are no restrictions following the procedure, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Mild soreness or slight bruising at the puncture site is common and usually fades within a day.

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 a 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

• The prolactin test is generally safe, with minimal associated risk. At the draw site, you might notice a brief pinprick sensation, mild pain, tenderness, or slight bruising, all of which typically settle within a few days.
• Some people feel light-headed or faint during or shortly after the sample is taken. Infection at the puncture site is also possible, though uncommon.
• In rare cases, excessive bleeding can occur, particularly among those on blood-thinning medication or with underlying bleeding disorders. A haematoma, a small pool of blood beneath the skin causing a raised bruise, may also develop occasionally at the injection site.
• These effects are generally mild and temporary, and usually resolve on their own without specific treatment.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels are highly sensitive to physical and emotional stress.
• Prolactin is released in bursts throughout the day. Therefore, a single test result can miss or exaggerate actual baseline values.
• Many common medications can raise prolactin, which can lead to false assumptions if the full medication list is not disclosed to the treating doctor.
• Large, inactive clumps of the prolactin molecule (macroprolactin) can falsely cause high prolactin levels.
• A single high test result requires a repeat fasting morning test under calm conditions.

In Jaipur, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is typically available at around INR 449. The pricing can vary based on factors like the diagnostic centre and local cost differences. To learn more, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Vaishali Nagar
• Malviya Nagar
• Mansarovar
• C-Scheme
• Raja Park
• Bani Park
• Durgapura
• Gandhi Nagar
• Ajmer Road
• Sodala
• Shyam Nagar
• Jamdoli
• Amer
• Gopalpura
• Jhotwara
• Vidyadhar Nagar
• Kalwar Road
• Pratap Nagar
• Sitapura
• Sanganer

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