The Prolactin test checks the amount of Prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by a pea-sized organ at the base of the brain called the pituitary gland . Prolactin has often been detected at high values in people who are pregnant or just after childbirth. People who are not pregnant usually have a low amount of Prolactin in their blood.
It is recommended:To diagnose the cause of the normal breast milk discharge (galactorrhea), menstrual irregularities, or infertility in non-pregnant women.To evaluate the role of Prolactin in cases of lactation failure in women after childbirth, to diagnose the cause of erection problems, testicular failure, or abnormal breast discharge in men.To diagnose the cause of loss of sex drive (libido) in both men and women.To detect and analyse the progress of Prolactinoma (tumour of the pituitary gland that causes high levels of Prolactin) in both men and women.
The Prolactin test measures:The level of Prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in the blood. It plays a very important role in breast development and the production of breast milk in women or anyone with ovaries.Prolactin causes the breasts to grow and produce milk during pregnancy and after birth. The Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers.If the Prolactin levels are higher than normal, it often means that there is a type of tumour of the pituitary gland, known as a . This tumour makes the glands produce increased high Prolactin.Excess of Prolactin can cause the production of breast milk in men and in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.In women, too much Prolactin can cause menstrual disorders and infertility (the inability to get pregnant).In men, it can also lead to lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction (ED). This is also known as . ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection.
You will get the reports within 6 hours after the collection of the blood sample.
The Prolactin test is prescribed by your doctor after a complete assessment of your symptoms and conditions.
Female non-pregnant: 3.0–18.6 ng/mLMale: 3.7–17.9 ng/mL
We require a blood sample for this test.
This test can be taken at any time during the day.
Fasting is not required for this test.
There are no specific precautions for this test.
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