Prolactin Test In Mumbai - Price & Details

The prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin hormone, which is produced mainly by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. It is best known for its role in preparing the breasts for lactation and supporting breast milk production after childbirth. As a result, prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Outside of pregnancy, prolactin continues to support several functions within the body. However, abnormally high prolactin levels (hyperprolactinaemia) can interfere with normal reproductive hormone balance in both men and women. This may lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, or unexpected milk production.

The prolactin blood test is commonly used to investigate prolactin hormone-related symptoms, evaluate pituitary gland function, and monitor treatment in individuals with known prolactin disorders. In some cases, additional tests may be required to determine the exact cause of an abnormal prolactin result.

A prolactin test may be advised when symptoms suggest abnormally high prolactin levels:

• Women: irregular or missed periods, infertility, nipple discharge, or breast milk production unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Men: reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, enlargement of breast tissue (gynaecomastia), or nipple discharge (galactorrhoea).
• Headaches, vision problems, or deficiencies of other pituitary hormones, which may be due to pressure exerted on nearby structures by a prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland).
• To monitor treatment effectiveness in individuals with prolactinoma and to detect recurrence following treatment.

• The prolactin test may be repeated if an elevated result when the test was done the first time. This is because prolactin levels can naturally increase in the body in response to factors such as stress, exercise, or sexual activity.
• The test may also be repeated periodically for individuals who are undergoing treatment for prolactinemia and to check for recurrence in those who had prolactinemia before.

The prolactin test, along with other tests, may help in diagnosing the following conditions:

• Prolactinoma
• 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, and anti-nausea medicines
• Lower-than-normal prolactin levels are rare but may be a sign of a pituitary disorder.

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, such as antipsychotic drugs, birth control pills, medicines for nausea and vomiting, and high blood pressure medications may cause prolactin levels to fluctuate. Medications being taken regularly should be informed to your doctor, however, it should not be stopped or modified unless specifically advised by them.

You may need to avoid vigorous physical activity, sexual intercourse, and breast or nipple stimulation for up to 24 hours before the test, as these factors can temporarily increase prolactin levels.

What to Expect Before the Test

• Your blood sample collection will usually be done in the morning, three to four hours after you wake up. You may be advised to fast overnight until blood sample collection is done in the morning.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• A phlebotomist will arrive at your home for the test.
• An elastic band will be placed around your arm and you may be asked to make a fist. Using a sterile needle, a small blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. You may be advised to apply mild pressure at the blood draw site using a cotton swab.
• The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

What to Expect After the Test

• The sample will then be sent to the lab to be analysed. Your test results should be available within a few hours, and you can access them from the PharmEasy platform.

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).

Prolactin is a pulsatile hormone. Its secretion is released in bursts, and may be affected by stress, physical activity, food, breast stimulation, sleep, and even blood collection itself. Hence, a single test is insufficient and may require repeat testing if levels are higher.

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.
• Minor risks involved with a blood draw may occasionally occur, such as mild pain, slight bleeding, bruising, dizziness, or light-headedness. Sometimes, vein access may be difficult.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels may temporarily increase due to physical exertion, emotional stress, or other short-term factors. For this reason, mildly elevated results are often confirmed with a repeat test.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding are associated with naturally higher prolactin levels and should be considered when interpreting test findings.
• Certain medications, particularly some antipsychotic and antiemetic drugs, can elevate prolactin levels and influence test results.
• Reduced prolactin levels may indicate an underlying pituitary gland disorder and may require additional hormonal evaluation.
• In some individuals, raised prolactin levels may be caused by macroprolactin, a biologically inactive form of the hormone. Further testing may be advised when laboratory results are elevated but symptoms are absent or inconsistent with the findings.

In Mumbai, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is typically priced around INR 369. The actual cost may vary depending on factors like the diagnostic lab and city-specific pricing. To gain a better understanding, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Andheri
• Bandra
• Khar
• Sion
• Matunga
• Juhu
• Goregaon
• Malad
• Kandivali
• Borivali
• Churchgate
• Powai
• Ghatkopar
• Chembur
• Kurla
• Dadar
• Lower Parel
• Worli
• Mulund
• Vikhroli

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