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Dr. Shreya Gupta

BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

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Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

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Prolactin Test

(PRL)

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You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Blood sample should be collected 4 hours after waking.

Overview

What is PRL?

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the Pituitary gland which is situated at the base of the brain. Prolactin is normally produced in both males and non-pregnant females in small amounts. The main function of this hormone is to stimulate milk production (lactation) after childbirth, so, it is also known as the milk-producing hormone. The levels of prolactin hormone are generally high during pregnancy and after childbirth. But, high levels of prolactin can also be seen in many disease conditions in both men and women. The prolactin test measures the levels of prolactin in the blood, to check and monitor the associated disease condition.

Why is PRL done?

To investigate the cause of abnormal breast milk discharge (galactorrhea), menstrual irregularities or infertility in non-pregnant women
To evaluate the role of prolactin in case of lactation failure in women after childbirth
To investigate the cause of erection problems, testicular failure or abnormal breast discharge in men
To investigate the cause of loss of sex drive (libido) in both men and women
To detect and monitor the progress of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland that causes high levels of prolactin) in both men and women

What does PRL Measure?

The prolactin (PRL) test measures the levels of prolactin in blood. The prolactin hormone is produced by the pituitary gland which is located at the base of the brain. The primary function of this hormone is to help in lactation i.e. production of milk after childbirth. Prolactin levels are usually high during pregnancy and after childbirth. During pregnancy, this hormone along with other hormones like estrogen and progesterone stimulates the breasts for milk production. After the childbirth, it helps to maintain the breast milk production. Suckling of the breasts by the baby is important for the release of prolactin hormone. If a woman stops breastfeeding, the level of prolactin hormone will return to normal.

Abnormally high levels of prolactin are seen in certain disease conditions like prolactinoma (non-cancerous tumor of the pituitary gland) in men and women. It is generally benign (non-cancerous) in nature and is seen more commonly in women. If the tumor is quite large, it can put pressure on the optic nerve and the patient may present with headache and visual disturbances.

Interpreting PRL results

Interpretations

High levels of prolactin can be seen in:

Tumors of the pituitary gland that produces and releases prolactin (Prolactinoma)
Diseases of the hypothalamus (a gland located in the brain)
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Hypothyroidism
Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD)
Conditions like anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)

Low levels of prolactin can be seen in:

Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Patients taking bromocriptine
Pituitary deficiency like necrosis or infarction of the pituitary gland

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about PRL

Frequently Asked Questions about Prolactin Test

Q. Are there any other conditions which can alter the levels of Prolactin?

Yes, there are other conditions in which high levels of prolactin can be seen, for eg., lung cancer, seizures, trauma to the chest wall, stress due to illness and use of Marijuana.

Q. The test results showed high prolactin levels. Do I require any other tests?

When the prolactin levels are high, the doctor may advise you to get Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) test, Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to assess fertility problems. The testosterone test is advised in males when the prolactin level is found high. The doctor may also advise for MRI scan for the diagnosis of prolactinoma.

Q. What is prolactinoma?

Prolactinomas are tumors which are usually benign (non-cancerous) of the pituitary gland in which there is production of high amounts of prolactin. These are more common in women as compared to men. Prolactinomas may cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, and bone loss in women. However, in men it can cause erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), decreased muscle mass, and bone loss. If the size of the tumor is quite large, it can cause pressure symptoms like headache and problems of the vision.

Q. Are there any precautions required to be followed before the prolactin test?

The blood sample is collected 4 hours after waking up as the levels of Prolactin hormone are at the peak immediately after waking up. Inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines including herbals or any over the counter (OTC) medicines as they may interfere with your test values.

Q. Which medicines can affect the levels of Prolactin hormone?

Certain drugs can cause a low level of Prolactin such as Dopamine (used in conditions like shock), Levodopa (used for Parkinson’s disease), or Ergot alkaloid derivatives (used for severe headaches). However, certain drugs can cause elevated levels of Prolactin such as CNS depressants, Estrogen, drugs used for the treatment of hypertension (e.g., Reserpine, Verapamil, Methyldopa), and drugs used for treating gastroesophageal reflux like cimetidine.

Q. How is this test performed?

This test is performed on a blood sample. A syringe with a fine needle is used to withdraw blood from a blood vessel in your arm. The healthcare provider will tie an elastic band around your arm to make the blood vessels swell with blood. This makes it easier to withdraw blood. You may be asked to tightly clench your fist. Once the veins are clearly visible, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and then the needle is inserted into the blood vessel to collect the sample. You will feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. Blood sample once collected will then be sent to the laboratory.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. I got my Prolactin levels tested. Now, my doctor has advised me thyroid test. Why is it so?

In many patients, high levels of Prolactin are seen along with low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), so you may be asked to get your thyroid tests done. However, high levels of Prolactin does not cause low levels of thyroid hormones.

Q. Are there any foods which can decrease the levels of prolactin?

Yes, foods rich in vitamin B6 like bananas, potatoes, chicken or spinach, foods rich in zinc (e.g., beef, turkey, beans, shellfish) and zinc supplements can decrease the prolactin levels.

Q. Are there any foods which can increase the levels of prolactin?

Yes, foods such as barley (jau), fennel (saunf) and fenugreek (methi) seeds, oats, whole wheat, brown rice, and papaya can increase the levels of prolactin. These foods are considered to be helpful in milk production in new mothers.

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Thyrocare Technologies Limited is India's first and most advanced Totally Automated Laboratory having its strong presence in more than 2000 cities / towns in India and internationally. Thyrocare is India's first fully automated diagnostic laboratory with a focus on providing quality at affordable costs to laboratories and hospitals in India and other countries. Thyrocare operates with a Centralized Processing Laboratory (CPL) in Mumbai - India for esoteric tests; and Regional Processing...

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