A Prolactin test assesses the amount of prolactin in your blood. The hormone prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, which is found near the brain's base. Prolactin primarily promotes the development of breast tissue during pregnancy and stimulates milk production post-delivery. Therefore, prolactin levels are generally higher in pregnant women and new mothers.

When prolactin levels rise in men and women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, it can induce breast milk production. In women, high prolactin levels, or hyperprolactinaemia and may impair ovarian function, causing irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. In men, elevated prolactin can affect testicular function and lead to a decrease in libido or erectile dysfunction.

High prolactin levels can be triggered by several factors, such as pituitary gland issues, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or certain medications. Although a Prolactin test cannot pinpoint the exact cause of elevated prolactin levels, it helps your doctor determine which additional tests are necessary to identify the source of your symptoms.

In bustling cities like Hyderabad, this test is beneficial for determining if symptoms like menstrual irregularities, infertility, and decreased libido are linked to altered prolactin levels or stress. Therefore, if you exhibit signs of abnormal prolactin levels, schedule a prolactin test in Hyderabad immediately in order to receive prompt treatment.

Here are some crucial facts regarding the S Prolactin test to be familiar with before having one:

Prerequisites

A Prolactin test does not require any special preparation. It involves taking a blood sample for analysis. Nonetheless, if additional tests requiring fasting are also scheduled, your doctor might recommend fasting for a few hours prior to the Prolactin test.

Best Time to Get Tested

The Prolactin test does not require fasting, so the blood sample can be collected at any time. However, if other tests are being conducted alongside the Prolactin test, your doctor may recommend the most suitable time for testing.

When is the Prolactin Test Recommended

A Prolactin test is commonly used to diagnose prolactinoma, a type of pituitary tumour that leads to increased prolactin production. Those diagnosed with prolactinoma undergo regular testing to monitor treatment efficacy and to detect any recurrence of the tumour post-treatment. The test is also suggested if symptoms of elevated prolactin levels are present, which vary between genders.

Women may experience:

• Nipple discharge or milk production without pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Irregular periods

• Infertility

Men may experience:

• Erectile dysfunction

• Low sex drive

• Reduced facial and body hair

• Enlarged breasts

• Nipple discharge

The Prolactin test may also be advised for women with low prolactin levels who struggle to produce enough breast milk after delivery.

Cautions Before Doing the Prolactin Test

Generally, the Prolactin test is a simple and safe procedure that doesn't require any precautions. However, some medications can influence prolactin levels, so be sure to let your doctor know about all medications you are using.

A Prolactin Blood test at home is typically ordered with other tests in the following scenarios:

• To assess prolactin levels in new mothers with reduced milk production after childbirth.

• To identify the cause of:

• • Erectile dysfunction in men

  • Irregular periods in women

  • Nipple discharge or breast milk secretion in men and nonpregnant women

  • Low libido and fertility problems in both men and women

• To diagnose pituitary tumours:

• • This test aids in diagnosing prolactinoma. If left untreated, prolactinomas can cause headaches, vision changes, and reduced levels of other pituitary hormones like thyroid and cortisol hormones. Your doctor might also recommend imaging studies to check for pituitary tumours.

• To monitor a prolactinoma and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Retesting is also done after treatment to check for tumour recurrence.

The normal range of prolactin in the blood is as follows:

Your doctor will interpret your Serum Prolactin test results based on your gender, symptoms, medical history, and other test outcomes. High prolactin levels in men and nonpregnant women can be associated with:

• Hypothalamus disorders, which impact the pituitary gland and essential body functions

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women

• Kidney disease

• Hypothyroidism

• Liver cirrhosis or scarring

• Prolactinoma or other pituitary disorders

Low prolactin levels are rare and might indicate a pituitary issue. Without sufficient prolactin, women may struggle to produce enough breastmilk postpartum. Due to the fluctuating nature of prolactin levels, your doctor might suggest a retest to verify the results.