Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that is responsible for producing milk after childbirth. Also known as PRL or Lactogenic hormone, it is important both for male and female reproductive health. An abnormally high level of prolactin can cause non-cancerous tumours on pituitary gland and can lead to severe headaches, visual impairment, and abnormal facial hair growth in women, erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive or fertility problems. If one is experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms, prolactin blood test must be performed immediately to avoid further complications. Prolactin blood test fasting is needed to perform before the test. Several types of medicines like- birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs and antidepressants can affect the test result. Therefore, it is always advised to consult about the patient’s medical history before performing the test.
Women suffering from prolactin may experience the following symptoms –
Women suffering from prolactin may experience the following symptoms –
- Unexplained headaches.
- Pain or discomfort during sex.
- Glactorrhea.
- Visual impairment.
- Abnormal growth of facial and body hair.
Men having an abnormal level of prolactin may experience symptoms like-
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Reduced sex drive.
- Fertility problems.
A prolactin blood test helps to investigate testicular dysfunction and evaluate problems with pituitary gland or Hypothalamus. The test helps to diagnose the cause of menstrual irregularities and infertility in women. A prolactin blood test range varies from one lab to another and can be ordered with other growth hormone level tests.
How to prepare for the test?
A prolactin blood test involves a simple procedure and takes few minutes to perform in the lab. One needs to fast for atleast 8-10 hours before performing the test. A prolactin blood test cost is minimal and carries no risk or complications.
What do the test results mean?
The level of prolactin present in men and non- pregnant women tend to be low. Both during and post pregnancy, the presence of high level of prolactin in the body is a healthy sign.
The normal value of the results should involve-
How to prepare for the test?
A prolactin blood test involves a simple procedure and takes few minutes to perform in the lab. One needs to fast for atleast 8-10 hours before performing the test. A prolactin blood test cost is minimal and carries no risk or complications.
What do the test results mean?
The level of prolactin present in men and non- pregnant women tend to be low. Both during and post pregnancy, the presence of high level of prolactin in the body is a healthy sign.
The normal value of the results should involve-
- Non- pregnant women: prolactin value should be less than 25 ng/Ml.
- Pregnant women: prolactin level should range between 34 to 386 ng/Ml.
- Men: prolactin value should be less than 15 ng/ML.
What do high levels mean?
According to experts, low prolactin level in blood is usually not a concern. However, abnormally high prolactin level, known as Hyperprolactinemia, indicates a deeper issue. It can be caused due to several types of health disorders such as liver diseases, kidney diseases and hypothyroidism.
According to experts, low prolactin level in blood is usually not a concern. However, abnormally high prolactin level, known as Hyperprolactinemia, indicates a deeper issue. It can be caused due to several types of health disorders such as liver diseases, kidney diseases and hypothyroidism.
