What is a Prolactin Test?

Prolactin levels in pregnant women and lactating mothers are typically high. Non-pregnant women and males usually have low levels. If your prolactin levels are more significant than average, you may have a prolactinoma, a form of pituitary tumour. The gland produces too much prolactin as a result of the tumour.

You can examine prolactin levels at any time throughout your menstrual cycle. Prolactin levels fluctuate throughout the day, but they are most significant at night and first thing in the morning; thus, the test is typically done three hours after you get up.

The physician or medical specialists use a tiny needle to obtain a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Once the needle is inserted, a small quantity of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. It may hurt a bit while they discharge the blood. The prolactin test results will be in the form of a number after a few days.

The reference range of normal prolactin blood levels differ across sexes, ranging from 4-23 ng/mL (mcg/L) in non-pregnant adult women to 3-15 ng/mL in males.

SEXES

    NORMAL PROLACTIN LEVELS (mcg/L)

Men: 3-15 ng/mL
Non-pregnant women: 4-23 ng/mL
Pregnant women: 34-386 ng/mL 
Children: 3.2-20 ng/mL

Prolactin levels in women differ somewhat depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, levels rise to up to 20 times their typical levels before birthing.

The pituitary gland has a noncancerous growth or tumour. The tumour, which might be huge or tiny, generates a lot of prolactin. Prolactinomas are more common in women than males, but they are uncommon in children.

The symptoms of high prolactin levels include

• Acne.
• Fatigue
• Sexual interest has waned.
• Headaches
• Hirsutism is characterised by excessive body and face hair growth.
• Vaginal Dryness
• Breast milk leaking in non-breastfeeding women.
• Infertility/Inability to get pregnant.

You should take your prolactin test three to four hours after getting up. Prolactin levels fluctuate throughout the day, although they are typically highest in the morning. The prolactin test is most commonly used to identify galactorrhea or inappropriate lactation. Still, it can also diagnose headaches and vision problems. This blood test does not need fasting, and results will be available in 1-2 days.

The discharge of milk from the breast (galactorrhoea) and breast pain are two symptoms of elevated prolactin levels. Women are more likely than males to have these symptoms. High prolactin levels can also disrupt their function by interfering with the hormones that govern the ovaries and testes. High prolactin levels can also cause breast milk discharge.

• Menstrual irregularities or absences
• Infertility
• menopausal symptoms and 
• osteoporosis

Prolactin levels that are too high might cause weight gain and cognitive problems. Prolactin is associated with growth and increased body weight, regardless of a substantial influence on hypothalamic or pituitary function. Weight reduction was observed in 70% of prolactinomas patients and 90% of male patients who had their prolactin levels adjusted in this study.

Its hormones regulate vital activities, including growth, metabolism, blood pressure, and reproduction. A high level of prolactin can cause medication, several types of pituitary tumours, an underactive thyroid gland, prolonged chest pain, pregnancy, and lactation. If your prolactin levels are more significant than usual, you may have a prolactinoma, a form of pituitary tumour. The gland produces too much prolactin as a result of the tumour.

Reach us! Get a free second opinion on the uses, side effects, and precautions of the Prolactin Test by consulting our specialists at Yashoda Hospitals.