Prolactin Test In Pune - Price & Details

A prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone that helps regulate several functions in the body, particularly those related to reproduction and breastfeeding. Prolactin levels normally rise during pregnancy and after childbirth to support milk production.

When prolactin levels become too high (hyperprolactinemia) or too low, they can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance. This may lead to symptoms such as irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, unexpected nipple discharge, or problems with breast milk production.

Because prolactin levels can be affected by medical conditions, medications, and disorders of the pituitary gland, a prolactin blood test is often used to investigate hormone-related symptoms and help guide further evaluation and treatment.

A prolactin test may be ordered when an individual presents with signs pointing toward abnormal prolactin levels:

• In women, it can affect how the ovaries work and may cause menstrual irregularities or absence of periods, breast tenderness, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, challenges conceiving, or unexplained bone loss.
• In men, it can affect how the testicles work and may cause reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, breast tissue enlargement (gynaecomastia), or diminished bone density.
• In men and women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, it can signal the body to start making breast milk (galactorrhoea).
• Neurological symptoms: recurring headaches, changes in vision, or restricted eye movement that may be caused by a prolactinoma compressing surrounding structures.
• The test is also used to track treatment response in patients diagnosed with prolactinoma and to identify any recurrence following intervention.
• The test may be requested for investigate suspected prolactin insufficiency in postpartum women struggling to establish adequate milk supply.

• If your prolactin level comes back high, your doctor may want to test it again, as everyday factors such as exercise, stress, or sex can temporarily raise the result. Regular follow-up tests are also common if you are being treated for high prolactin or have had a related diagnosis in the past.

Along with other investigations, the prolactin test may help diagnose:

• 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
• Very low prolactin levels are uncommon and may be caused by 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.

Some medicines can affect your prolactin levels, these include antipsychotics, the contraceptive pill, drugs for nausea and vomiting, and certain blood pressure medications. Make sure your doctor has a full list of everything you are taking, and do not adjust any medication without their guidance. In the lead-up to your test, your doctor may also ask you to avoid intense exercise, sexual activity, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours beforehand, as these can temporarily raise your result.

What to Expect Before the Test

• Prolactin naturally shifts throughout the day, peaking in the early morning between 4 AM and 7 AM. To improve consistency, the test is typically scheduled during mid-morning hours.
• Fasting is generally not necessary. However, if an initial result returns mildly elevated, a fasting sample may be requested to confirm the finding.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• A trained phlebotomist from PharmEasy will arrive at your home at the scheduled time. They will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

What to Expect After the Test

• A slight pain or a sting may be felt when the needle is inserted. Mild throbbing at the site may also be felt after the blood is drawn.

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 and involves minimal risk.
• Mild discomfort, slight bleeding or bruising at the blood collection site, dizziness, or light-headedness may occasionally occur.
• In rare cases, there may be difficulty locating a vein or a small risk of infection.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• If your prolactin level comes back high, a repeat test is usually needed to confirm it, since everyday activities can temporarily affect the result.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, prolactin is naturally higher during these times.
• Some medications can increase prolactin levels artificially.
• In some cases, the elevation is caused by macroprolactin, an inactive form of the hormone, which may need further investigation.
• A prolactin test on its own cannot give a diagnosis; other tests and assessments are usually needed alongside it.

In Pune, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is generally priced around INR 369. The final cost can vary based on factors like the diagnostic lab and city-specific pricing. For additional details, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Kothrud
• Shivajinagar
• Baner
• Aundh
• Pashan
• Wagholi
• Karve Nagar
• Warje
• Sinhagad Road
• Viman Nagar
• Lohegaon
• Kalyani Nagar
• Koregaon Park
• Hadapsar
• Mundhwa
• Kharadi
• Hinjewadi
• Nigdi
• Pimple Saudagar
• Dhankawadi

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