Prolactin Test In Rajkot - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin hormone present in your blood. Prolactin is also known as lactotropin or mammotropin. In both men and women, prolactin hormone is mainly produced in the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. The most important functions of this hormone are supporting breast development during pregnancy and producing breast milk after childbirth. It also supports reproduction, metabolic regulation, fluid balance, immune function, and certain behavioural functions. In pregnant and breastfeeding women, prolactin levels naturally increase significantly. The pathological causes of high prolactin levels include prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary gland), other growths near the pituitary gland, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), certain medicines such as some antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-nausea medicines, some blood pressure medicines, opioid painkillers, and oestrogen-containing pills, and long-term kidney or liver disease. Low prolactin levels are rare and caused by reduced function of the pituitary gland. This may be due to pituitary surgery, radiation, tumours, or Sheehan's syndrome. Low prolactin may also occur in people taking medicines that are used to treat high prolactin or Parkinson's disease. The prolactin test helps detect the increased prolactin levels and aids doctors decide further investigations or provide appropriate treatment. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available within one to two days, depending on your specific location in Rajkot.

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.
• Individuals who require monitoring: To assess treatment response in individuals with prolactinoma and to monitor for recurrence after treatment.
• Postpartum women: 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 is not mandatory for this test. You can eat and drink normally before the test unless your doctor advises otherwise since some conditions require an overnight fast.
• Schedule the test for 3 to 4 hours after you wake up.
• Avoid strenuous exercises, sexual activity, and breast or nipple stimulation for at least 24 hours before your test, as these can temporarily affect prolactin levels.
• Before undergoing the test, tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take regularly. Do not stop regular medications on your own without speaking with your doctor first.
• Also tell your doctor about the medical conditions you have and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection?

• The PharmEasy phlebotomist will arrive at the scheduled time, verify your identity, and confirm the ordered test.
• They will then wrap an elastic band (tourniquet) around your upper arm. This helps make the vein easier to locate. They will feel for a suitable vein, usually at the crook of your elbow.
• They will then sanitise the injection area with an alcohol wipe and let it air-dry completely.
• They will insert a small needle into the vein and attach an airtight collection tube to draw the required amount of blood.
• They will then release the tourniquet, slide the needle out, and press a sterile gauze pad over the puncture site.
• They will apply a small bandage or tape to the arm and safely dispose of the needle.

What to Expect After the Test?

• Keep the small bandage on the puncture site for a few hours.
• You may notice light bruising, tenderness, or a small bump at the injection site; this usually fades in a day or two. Apply a cool compress if it feels sore.
• You do not need to rest or restrict your usual diet.

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 safe, and most side effects are mild, temporary, and resolve without specific treatment:

• Blood leaking from the vein into surrounding tissue causes a black-and-blue mark or a swollen lump.
• Mild tenderness, aching, or discomfort at the puncture site.
• Seeing blood, pain, or anxiety can lower heart rate and blood pressure, causing light-headedness, sweating, or fainting.
• Bleeding at the puncture site can last longer if you take blood thinning medicines or have a bleeding disorder.
• Rarely, improper procedure or movement can affect a nearby nerve, causing a sharp, shooting pain, tingling, or numbness.
• Bacteria on the skin can enter the puncture site and cause infection.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels fluctuate continuously throughout the day and are highly sensitive to both emotional and physical stressors. Because the hormone is secreted in erratic bursts, a single test might not capture your true baseline and may require follow-up testing.
• Since many medicines can cause abnormal prolactin levels, make sure to disclose your complete medication history to your doctor.
• Occasionally, an inactive, larger form of the prolactin molecule called macroprolactin can also incorrectly cause high prolactin levels.
• If your reading is elevated, a repeat test with a fasting morning sample is needed to confirm your prolactin levels, since many factors can affect them.

The prolactin test at PharmEasy in Rajkot is available at a price of INR 449.

The list below compares the prices of the test across major cities:

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

• Kalawad Road
• University Road
• Raiya Road
• Yagnik Road
• Amin Marg
• Race Course Road
• Kotecha Nagar
• Nana Mava
• Mota Mava
• Bhakti Nagar
• Dhebar Road
• Shastri Nagar
• Junction Plot
• Morbi Road
• Mavdi
• Aji Industrial Area
• Kuvadva Road
• Gandhigram
• Bajrangwadi
• Mavdi Plot

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