Prolactin Test In Surat - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin hormone present in your blood. Prolactin hormone is mainly produced in the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. The uterus, immune cells, brain, breasts, prostate, skin, and fat tissue also produce minimal amounts of prolactin. This hormone performs various functions in the body. Its most important functions 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 normally increase considerably. It can pathologically increase due to prolactinoma (a non-cancerous tumour of the pituitary), hypothyroidism, and as a side effect of long-term use of certain medicines, among other causes. Abnormally elevated prolactin levels can lead to unexpected milk production from the breasts and menstrual cycle changes. It can also cause low oestrogen in women or low testosterone in men because high prolactin levels can suppress the levels of sex hormones. Very low prolactin levels are uncommon and can result from pituitary gland problems. Breast milk production after giving birth can be reduced, and immunity can also be affected. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available in about 10 hours to within the day, depending on your specific location in Surat.

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

• Your doctor may advise you to fast overnight before the prolactin test though it is not mandatory.
• Take the test 3 to 4 hours after you wake up in the morning, since prolactin levels are most stable during this time.
• It is advisable to avoid high-intensity exercise, sexual activity, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours before the test, as these can temporarily affect prolactin levels.
• Let your doctor know about any recent illnesses, pregnancy and breastfeeding status, current medications and supplements.
• Wear loose-fitting or short-sleeved clothing so the phlebotomist can collect your blood sample easily.
• Inform the phlebotomist if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medications before the blood sample is collected.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• The phlebotomist will clean the inside of your elbow with an antiseptic and place a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the vein easier to find. You may be asked to make a gentle fist, but avoid repeatedly pumping your hand, and keep your arm still.
• A sterile needle will be inserted into the vein to collect the blood sample. You may feel a brief pinprick or mild stinging sensation.
• Once enough blood has been collected, the needle will be removed. Gentle pressure will be applied to the site, followed by a small bandage to help stop the bleeding.

What to Expect After the Test

• After the blood sample is collected, you can return to your usual daily activities immediately. No dietary or activity restrictions apply after the test.
• You may notice mild pain, tenderness, or a small bruise at the blood draw site. These symptoms are common and usually settle on their own 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 test is generally safe. Most side effects are mild, temporary, and resolve on their own without any specific treatment.
• You may experience mild pain, tenderness, or slight bruising at the blood draw site. Applying gentle pressure immediately after the test and avoiding heavy lifting with that arm for a few hours may help reduce bruising.
• Some people may feel dizzy or faint during or shortly after the blood draw. If this happens, rest for a few minutes until it passes.
• A small risk of infection exists whenever the skin is punctured. Keeping the bandage on for a few hours and the area clean can help lower this risk.
• Rarely, people taking blood-thinning medicines or those with bleeding disorders may have prolonged bleeding or develop a haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin). Applying firm pressure to the site for a few minutes usually helps control bleeding.

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.

In Surat, a Prolactin test at PharmEasy is generally priced around INR 449. The cost may differ based on factors such as the diagnostic lab and regional pricing differences. For more information, you can compare Prolactin test prices across major cities in India.

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

• Adajan
• Vesu
• Pal
• Rander
• Dumas
• City Light
• Piplod
• Althan
• Amroli
• Limbayat
• Punagam
• Godadara
• Nanpura
• Sachin
• Varachha
• Katargam
• Sarthana
• Udhna
• Pandesara
• Utran

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