The Prolactin test measures the amount of prolactin in your blood, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland located near the base of the brain. Prolactin's primary role is to stimulate breast tissue growth during pregnancy and milk production after delivery, resulting in higher levels of this hormone in pregnant women and new mothers.

Higher prolactin levels in men and women who aren't pregnant, or nursing can trigger breast milk production. For women, this condition, called hyperprolactinaemia and can affect ovarian function, resulting in menstrual irregularities and infertility. For men, elevated prolactin levels can impact testicular function and cause a lower sex drive or erectile dysfunction.

Elevated prolactin levels may be caused by conditions such as pituitary gland disorders, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or certain medications. Though a Prolactin test cannot determine the exact cause of high prolactin levels, it provides crucial information for your doctor to decide on further diagnostic tests.

In high-stress cities like Noida, this test is useful for discerning whether symptoms like menstrual irregularities, infertility, and decreased libido are due to altered prolactin levels or stress. Thus, if you have symptoms of abnormal prolactin levels, request a Prolactin test in Noida today for early treatment and assistance.

Before taking a S Prolactin test, here are a few important points you must know about:

Prerequisites

There are no special preparations needed for a Prolactin test. The test involves collecting a blood sample. If your doctor has also requested other tests that require fasting, you might be advised to fast for a few hours before the Prolactin test.

Best Time to Get Tested

You can have your blood sample for the Prolactin test taken at any time of the day since fasting is not required. If other tests are also scheduled, your doctor might advise you on the optimal time for the tests.

When is the Prolactin Test Recommended

A Prolactin test is frequently used to diagnose prolactinoma, a pituitary tumour causing excess prolactin production. Patients diagnosed with prolactinoma are monitored through regular tests to evaluate treatment effectiveness and to detect tumour recurrence after treatment. The test is also indicated for symptoms of elevated prolactin, which vary between genders.

In women, symptoms may include:

• Nipple discharge or milk production without pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Infertility

In men, symptoms may include:

• Reduced facial and body hair

• Enlarged breasts

• Decreased sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction

• Nipple discharge

Additionally, the Prolactin test may be recommended for women with low prolactin levels who have difficulty producing enough breast milk after childbirth.

Cautions Before Doing the Prolactin Test

Typically, the Prolactin test is safe and easy, with no special preparations needed. However, certain medications can alter prolactin levels, so make sure to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.

A Prolactin Blood test at home is often ordered with other tests in these situations:

• To measure prolactin levels in new mothers who have low milk production after childbirth.

• To find the cause of:

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

  • Irregular menstrual cycles in women

  • Erectile dysfunction in men

  • Low sex drive and fertility issues in both men and women

• To diagnose pituitary tumours:

• • This test assists in diagnosing prolactinoma. Untreated prolactinomas can cause headaches, vision changes, and decreased levels of other pituitary hormones, including thyroid and cortisol hormones. Imaging studies may also be suggested by your doctor to check for pituitary tumours.

• To monitor a prolactinoma and ensure the treatment is effective. Retesting is also carried out 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 considering your gender, symptoms, medical history, and other test results. High prolactin levels in men and nonpregnant women might be seen in conditions such as:

• Kidney disease

• Liver cirrhosis or scarring

• Prolactinoma or other pituitary gland disorders

• Hypothalamus disorders, which affect the pituitary gland and other crucial body functions

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women

• Hypothyroidism

Low prolactin levels are rare but could indicate a pituitary issue. Without enough prolactin, women may have difficulty producing sufficient breast milk after delivery. Since prolactin levels can vary, your doctor might recommend retesting to verify the results.