Prolactin Test In Lucknow - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin hormone present in your blood. Prolactin helps breast development during pregnancy and promotes milk production in response to the baby suckling after birth. It also plays an important role in reproduction, metabolism, fluid regulation, immune function, and behavioural functions. Prolactin is produced mainly in the front portion of the pituitary gland (anterior pituitary), which is located at the base of the brain. It is also produced in the uterus, immune cells, brain, breasts, prostate, skin, and adipose tissue. 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. The prolactin test cannot determine the underlying cause of elevated levels. However, it helps doctors understand the cause of 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 Lucknow.

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 before the prolactin test, though it is not mandatory. Follow the fasting instructions your doctor gives.
• Tell your doctor about health conditions, current medication and supplement use, and pregnancy and breastfeeding status, since these factors can affect prolactin test result interpretation.
• 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.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the inner arm to make the blood draw easier.
• Inform your phlebotomist if you are on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• The phlebotomist will first clean the area where the blood sample will be taken, usually the inside of your elbow, using an antiseptic swab. A tourniquet will then be placed around your upper arm to make the vein more visible. You may be asked to gently clench your fist and keep your arm still during the procedure.
• A sterile needle will be inserted into the vein to collect the blood sample. You may experience a brief pinprick or mild stinging sensation as the needle is inserted. The blood will be collected into a sample tube, after which you can relax your hand.
• After the required amount of blood has been collected, the needle will be removed. Gentle pressure will be applied to the puncture site to minimise bleeding, and a small adhesive bandage will be placed over the area.

What to Expect After the Test

• You can usually return to your normal daily activities immediately after the blood sample is collected.
• Mild pain, tenderness, or slight bruising at the blood draw site may occur but typically resolves within a day or two.

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

• The prolactin blood test is generally considered safe and carries very little risk.
• You may experience a brief pinprick, mild pain, tenderness, or slight bruising at the blood draw site, which usually settles within a few days.
• Some people may feel light-headed or faint during or shortly after the blood draw. Although uncommon, there is also a small risk of infection at the puncture site.
• Rarely, excessive bleeding may occur, particularly in people taking blood-thinning medications or those with bleeding disorders.
• In some cases, a haematoma (a small collection of blood beneath the skin) may develop, causing a raised bruise at the needle insertion site.
• These side effects are usually mild, temporary, and resolve without specific treatment.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Physical and emotional stress causes prolactin levels to fluctuate considerably.
• The body releases prolactin in bursts throughout the day. Therefore, a single test result can miss or exaggerate actual values.
• Many common medicines can raise prolactin, which can lead to false test interpretations if the full medication list is not disclosed to your doctor.
• Large, inactive clumps of the prolactin molecule (macroprolactin) can falsely cause high prolactin levels.
• If your test result is high, you may need a repeat fasting morning sample under calm conditions.

In Lucknow, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is generally available at about INR 369. The pricing can differ based on factors like the lab and regional cost variations. For a more complete understanding, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Gomti Nagar
• Indira Nagar
• Aliganj
• Mahanagar
• Hazratganj
• Aminabad
• Chowk
• Jankipuram
• Vikas Nagar
• Rajajipuram
• Alambagh
• Ashiyana
• SGPGI
• Chinhat
• Kalyanpur
• Sushant Golf City
• Vrindavan Yojna
• Krishna Nagar
• Nirala Nagar
• Charbagh

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