Prolactin Test in Noida - Price & Details

PharmEasy Labs brings modern diagnostic technology to the people of the country at affordable prices. Get tested from the comfort of your own home by booking a test and having a phlebotomist come to your house to collect your blood sample. At the Labs, the diagnostic machines are constantly upgraded so that the latest international standards can be applied to the testing method. The technicians are skilled and use automated machines to ensure that no errors occur. To further guarantee accuracy, every report is thoroughly vetted by a pathologist and then sent to the user via email.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. The two physiological functions that the prolactin hormone contributes most to are the development of the mammary gland within the breast tissue and the production of milk during pregnancy and after childbirth. Naturally, women who are pregnant and nursing mothers have high levels of the prolactin hormone in their blood. Women who are not pregnant and men have low levels of the prolactin hormone in their blood.

An appropriate amount of prolactin hormone in the blood plays a crucial role in a person's overall health. Elevated prolactin levels in the blood, despite no known cause such as pregnancy or breastfeeding, may indicate the presence of a prolactinoma. Prolactinoma is a type of prolactin-secreting tumour that grows in the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas can occur in men and women. Generally, pituitary tumours are non-cancerous; they do not affect life span.

Prolactinoma causes the pituitary gland to secrete excess prolactin hormones. Overproduction of prolactin reduces the levels of some sex hormones, such as oestrogen and testosterone, in the blood. Prolactinoma causes low sex drive, vision disorders, headache, infertility, and osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) in men and women.

In women, prolactinoma can cause-

• Irregular menstrual periods or absence of menstruation
• Breast discharge even when they are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Vaginal dryness
• Acne, excessive growth of hair on the face and body
• Premature menopause
• Breast tenderness

Postmenopausal women may develop hypothyroidism due to prolactinoma, symptoms include-

• Weight gain
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Cold sensitivity

In men, prolactinoma can cause the following:

• Breast enlargement
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of facial and body hair
• Muscles that shrink

Apart from prolactinoma and hypothyroidism, a disease of the hypothalamus or liver disease can also cause elevated prolactin levels. If the prolactin level is very high, an MRI may be recommended to check the pituitary gland closely. High prolactin levels are treated with medications and/or surgery.

Women may need to undergo the prolactin test if they are suffering menstrual irregularities, having trouble conceiving or if the doctor thinks you're experiencing bone loss or in case of excessive vaginal dryness, discharge from breasts when you are not pregnant. If men develop gynecomastia or are experiencing erectile dysfunction, infertility, they may need to get the prolactin test done. The test may also need to be done to diagnose anorexia, issues of the thyroid and adrenal glands and polycystic ovarian syndrome.

No special preparation is needed for the prolactin test. Fasting may or may not be required, and your doctor will let you know. If other tests are being done simultaneously, and any one of those requires fasting, your doctor will let you know. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements. Strenuous physical activity before the test should be avoided.

During the Prolactin Test

For your prolactin test, a PharmEasy phlebotomist will visit your home at the predetermined time. A vein finder will be used to locate an appropriate vein in your arm. The phlebotomist will guide a needle into the vein and draw the required quantity of blood. The collected blood sample will be packed in an icebox and taken to the lab.