Prolactin Test In Kolkata - Price & Details

A prolactin (PRL) test is a blood test that measures the amount of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. It plays an important role in breastfeeding by helping the body produce breast milk after childbirth.

In healthy individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, prolactin levels are usually low and remain within a normal range. When prolactin levels become higher than normal, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia, it may be due to natural causes such as pregnancy, certain medical conditions such as a prolactinoma, or the use of certain medications. Some people with elevated prolactin levels may not experience any symptoms, while others may develop problems such as irregular menstrual periods, unexpected milk discharge from the breasts, reduced sex drive, fertility issues, or erectile dysfunction.

A prolactin test helps doctors identify and monitor conditions associated with abnormal prolactin levels.

• A prolactin test may be advised if you have the following symptoms :
• Women (or those assigned female at birth): menstrual disturbances, breast tenderness, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, infertility, or breast milk production unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding (galactorrhoea) and low bone mass.
• Men (or those assigned male at birth): reduced libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, infertility, breast tissue increasing in size (gynaecomastia), nipple discharge, and low bone mass.
• Unexplained headaches, vision problems, and issues with eye movement, which may be due to pressure exerted on nearby structures by a prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland).
• To assess response to treatment in individuals diagnosed with prolactinoma and to monitor for recurrence after therapy.
• To investigate possible low prolactin levels in postpartum women experiencing difficulty with breast milk production.

• A repeat prolactin test may be recommended if the initial result shows elevated prolactin levels, as temporary factors such as stress, physical activity, or sexual activity can cause a short-term increase in prolactin.
• Follow-up testing may also be advised for individuals receiving treatment for hyperprolactinemia to monitor treatment response, as well as for those with a history of prolactin-related disorders to check for recurrence.

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
• Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) in women
• Medication-induced hyperprolactinemia: Certain medications, including some antipsychotics, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, and anti-nausea medicines

Lower-than-normal prolactin levels are uncommon and may occur due to reduced pituitary gland function or damage to the gland. Certain medications, including dopamine, levodopa, and ergot-derived drugs, can also contribute to decreased 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.

Certain medications, including some antipsychotics, oral contraceptives, anti-nausea medicines, and blood pressure medications, can influence prolactin levels and affect test results. It is important to inform the doctor about all medications being taken. However, no medication should be stopped or changed unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

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

What to Expect Before the Test

• Prolactin levels are naturally highest during the early morning hours, typically between 4 AM and 7 AM. For this reason, the test is often performed in the mid-morning. Fasting is generally not required for a prolactin test, but a fasting sample may be recommended if the initial result shows a mild elevation and needs confirmation.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• The prolactin test is a quick procedure that typically takes only a few minutes. During sample collection, a trained phlebotomist cleans the skin and draws a small blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm, using a sterile needle.
• Slight pain or a sting sensation may be felt when the needle is inserted.

What to Expect After the Test

• Mild throbbing at the site may also be felt after the blood is drawn. Once the blood sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis, where your prolactin levels are measured.

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

• The prolactin test is generally safe with minimal risk. Mild pain, slight bleeding, or bruising may occur at the blood draw site. Occasionally, vein access may be difficult or infection may occur. Rarely, dizziness or light-headedness may occur.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Slightly increased levels in the test report have to be confirmed with a repeat test because prolactin levels may temporarily rise due to exercising, emotional stress, physical stress such as surgery, sleep, sexual intercourse or other short-term factors.
• Since pregnancy and breastfeeding are associated with naturally higher prolactin levels, this should be taken into consideration when interpreting test findings.
• Certain medications can elevate prolactin levels and influence test results.
• Sometimes raised prolactin levels may be caused by macroprolactin, a biologically inactive form of the hormone. Further testing may be advised.

In Kolkata, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is typically priced around INR 369. The cost may vary due to factors such as the diagnostic centre and location-based differences. For better comparison, you can check Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Salt Lake
• New Town
• Rajarhat
• Dum Dum
• Lake Town
• Baguiati
• Park Street
• Ballygunge
• Bhowanipore
• Alipore
• Behala
• Tollygunge
• Jadavpur
• Garia
• Kalighat
• Kasba
• Kankurgachi
• Ruby
• Sealdah
• Shyambazar

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