Prolactin Test In Thane - Price & Details

The prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin hormone present in your blood. Prolactin supports breast development during pregnancy and stimulates milk production after giving birth in response to the baby's suckling. It also contributes to reproduction, metabolic regulation, fluid balance, immune function, and certain behavioural functions. The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, mainly synthesises the hormone, though smaller amounts are also produced in the uterus, immune cells, brain, breasts, prostate, skin, and fat tissue. In women who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding, abnormally high prolactin levels, known as hyperprolactinaemia, can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, difficulty conceiving, and unexpected breast milk production. In men, elevated prolactin may cause reduced libido and erectile dysfunction, and sometimes breast milk production. While the prolactin test does not reveal the underlying cause of elevated levels, it helps doctors identify the reason behind a patient's symptoms and guides further testing. PharmEasy’s prolactin test reports are available in about 10 hours to within the day, depending on your specific location in Thane.

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

• Follow fasting and dietary instructions given by your doctor, as fasting is preferred for the prolactin test but not mandatory.
• Schedule sample collection for 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 exercises, sex, and breast or nipple stimulation for 24 hours before the test, as these can temporarily affect prolactin levels.
• Wearing clothing with easy arm access can make the blood draw more convenient.
• Tell your doctor about any medicines or supplements you take, as some can affect prolactin levels. Also let them know about ongoing illnesses, medical conditions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding status.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

• A trained phlebotomist cleans your arm with an antiseptic swab and ties a band above the elbow to make the vein more visible.
• A small needle is then used to draw a blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm.
• The process takes only a few minutes and involves mild, brief discomfort similar to a pinprick.
• A small bandage is applied afterwards to prevent bleeding.

What to Expect After the Test

• You can resume normal activities immediately, as there are no restrictions following the procedure.
• Mild soreness or slight bruising at the puncture site may occur but typically resolves within a day.

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 a simple blood test with minimal risk.
• Common, minor effects at the puncture site may include brief stinging during the needle prick, slight bruising, or mild tenderness lasting a day or two.
• Less common risks include excessive bleeding, particularly in those on blood-thinning medication, fainting or light-headedness during the draw, and infection at the puncture site.
• A haematoma, a raised bruise from blood pooling under the skin, may also occur occasionally.
• These effects are typically minor and resolve without treatment. Patients with a history of fainting or bleeding disorders should inform the phlebotomist beforehand.

Understanding Prolactin Test Limitations

• Prolactin levels can fluctuate considerably due to physical or emotional stress.
• Since the hormone is released in bursts throughout the day rather than at a steady rate, a single blood draw may not accurately capture true baseline levels.
• Many commonly used medications can elevate prolactin, so failing to disclose a complete medication history to your doctor may lead to misinterpretation of results.
• In some cases, an inactive, larger form of the prolactin molecule called macroprolactin can also cause falsely elevated readings.
• If an initial result comes back high, your doctor may recommend a repeat fasting morning sample collected under relaxed conditions.

The prolactin test at PharmEasy in Thane is available at a price of INR 369.

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

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

• Naupada
• Majiwada
• Vasant Vihar
• Ghodbunder Road
• Kasarvadavali
• Pokhran Road
• Wagle Estate
• Khopat
• Kalwa
• Mumbra
• Kopri
• Balkum
• Kalyan
• Dombivli
• Ambernath
• Badlapur
• Teen Hath Naka
• Hiranandani Estate
• Diva
• Charai

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