Prolactin (PRL) – BC251
hormonal test
₹2499
MRP ₹3080
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC251
Report: Next day Evening (Except Sunday)
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: BC251
About this Test:
The Prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin hormone in the blood. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. While its main role is to stimulate milk production (lactation) after childbirth, it is present in both men and women and affects reproductive health and hormone levels.
✔ Helps investigate causes of infertility in both men and women.
✔ Used to diagnose reasons for irregular or absent menstrual periods in women.
✔ Key test for detecting a prolactinoma, a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland.
✔ Important instruction: The sample should be collected in the morning, 3-4 hours after waking.
The Prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin hormone in the blood. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. While its main role is to stimulate milk production (lactation) after childbirth, it is present in both men and women and affects reproductive health and hormone levels.
✔ Helps investigate causes of infertility in both men and women.
✔ Used to diagnose reasons for irregular or absent menstrual periods in women.
✔ Key test for detecting a prolactinoma, a non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland.
✔ Important instruction: The sample should be collected in the morning, 3-4 hours after waking.
Prolactin: The Hormone of Reproduction and More
Prolactin is a multifaceted hormone with a primary role in reproduction. However, when its levels are abnormally high—a condition called **Hyperprolactinemia**—it can disrupt the delicate balance of the reproductive system in both sexes. High prolactin levels interfere with the brain's production of other key hormones like Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which are essential for normal ovulation in women and testosterone production in men. This is why measuring prolactin is a cornerstone of any infertility workup.
Symptoms and Causes of High Prolactin (Hyperprolactinemia)
A doctor will order a prolactin test if a patient presents with specific symptoms:
In Women:
- Irregular menstrual periods (oligomenorrhea) or complete absence of periods (amenorrhea).
- Infertility or difficulty conceiving.
- Milky discharge from the nipples when not pregnant or breastfeeding (galactorrhea).
- Loss of libido (sex drive).
In Men:
- Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
- Infertility and low sperm count.
- Enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia).
- Loss of body hair and muscle mass.
Common Causes of Hyperprolactinemia
- Prolactinoma: The most common cause of significantly high levels. This is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor on the pituitary gland that overproduces prolactin.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including some antipsychotics, antidepressants, and medications for high blood pressure, can raise prolactin levels.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland can lead to elevated prolactin.
- Other Conditions: Chronic kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also be associated with high prolactin.
Important Sample Collection Instructions
Prolactin levels fluctuate throughout the day and are affected by stress and sleep. For an accurate result, the blood sample should be collected under specific conditions:
- In the morning, approximately **3 to 4 hours after waking up**.
- The patient should be well-rested and relaxed, as physical or emotional stress can temporarily increase levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main reason for checking prolactin levels?
The main reason is to investigate the cause of reproductive issues, such as infertility, irregular or absent periods in women, and low libido or erectile dysfunction in men. It is also the primary test to screen for a pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma.
The main reason is to investigate the cause of reproductive issues, such as infertility, irregular or absent periods in women, and low libido or erectile dysfunction in men. It is also the primary test to screen for a pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma.
Q2: Why do I need to give the sample in the morning after waking up?
Prolactin levels naturally peak during sleep and are highest upon waking. They then decrease over the next few hours. Collecting the sample 3-4 hours after you wake up provides a stable, baseline level for accurate interpretation and avoids a falsely high reading.
Prolactin levels naturally peak during sleep and are highest upon waking. They then decrease over the next few hours. Collecting the sample 3-4 hours after you wake up provides a stable, baseline level for accurate interpretation and avoids a falsely high reading.
Q3: What does a high prolactin level mean?
A high prolactin level (hyperprolactinemia) can be caused by various factors, including medications, an underactive thyroid, or most commonly, a benign pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma. Your doctor will use the result to guide further investigation.
A high prolactin level (hyperprolactinemia) can be caused by various factors, including medications, an underactive thyroid, or most commonly, a benign pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma. Your doctor will use the result to guide further investigation.
Q4: Do I need to fast for this test?
No, fasting is not required for a prolactin test. However, you should be well-rested and avoid significant stress right before the blood draw.
No, fasting is not required for a prolactin test. However, you should be well-rested and avoid significant stress right before the blood draw.
Q5: Can this test be done by both men and women?
Yes. Although prolactin is mainly associated with female lactation, it plays an important role in the reproductive health of both men and women, and the test is commonly ordered for both.
Yes. Although prolactin is mainly associated with female lactation, it plays an important role in the reproductive health of both men and women, and the test is commonly ordered for both.