Content created by
Serum Prolactin in New Delhi
Also known as PRL test, Prolactin blood test
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
Understanding Serum Prolactin in New Delhi
What is Serum Prolactin in New Delhi?
A Serum Prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in the blood and is available at an affordable price in New Delhi with Tata 1mg labs. Prolactin plays a key role in breast growth and milk production during pregnancy and after childbirth. Therefore, its levels are usually high in pregnant women and new mothers.
A Serum Prolactin test helps identify the causes of abnormal breast discharge, menstrual irregularities, infertility, erection problems, and testicular failure. Higher-than-normal levels in non-pregnant women and men indicate prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland), liver disease, or hypothyroidism. In contrast, lower-than-normal levels may indicate hypopituitarism. Some birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs, or antidepressants can affect the test results.
What does Serum Prolactin measure?
A Serum Prolactin test measures the levels of prolactin hormone in a person’s body. During pregnancy, prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone hormones stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin concentration will soon drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.
Besides pregnancy, the most common cause of elevated prolactin concentration is prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign (non-cancerous). They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men.
If the pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces.
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Serum Prolactin in New Delhi
Frequently Asked Questions about Serum Prolactin in New Delhi
Q. What is the purpose of a Serum Prolactin test?
A Serum Prolactin test is done to measure the quantity of prolactin hormone (a hormone released by the pituitary gland that is responsible for breast enlargement and milk production in lactating females) and detect prolactinoma (a tumor of the pituitary gland).
Q. What are some of the causes of increased prolactin levels?
Some common causes of increased prolactin levels are sleep (levels rise rapidly during sleep and peak in early hours), nursing, breast stimulation, exercise, hypoglycemia, emotional stress, exercise, ambulation, protein ingestion, hypothyroidism, pituitary tumors (prolactinomas and others), hypothalamic/pituitary stalk lesions, renal failure, HIV infection (21%), CHF, SLE, advanced multiple myeloma, Rathke cleft cyst, and intake of drugs like dopamine antagonists (phenothiazines, haloperidol, risperidone, reserpine, methyldopa, estrogens, opiates, cimetidine).
Q. What are some of the causes of decreased prolactin levels?
Some of the causes of decreased prolactin levels are pituitary necrosis/infarction, use of some drugs like bromocriptine, levodopa, etc., and conditions like pseudohypoparathyroidism.
Q. Is there any risk associated with a Serum Prolactin test?
There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked to collect a blood sample and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Some people may rarely experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times daily for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.
Q. What is the best time for sample collection for a Serum Prolactin test?
A Serum Prolactin test should be performed in the morning, nearly 2-3 hours after waking up, as the prolactin levels are usually high in the evening due to circadian rhythm.
Q. What factors can affect the results of a Serum Prolactin test?
Some factors that can affect the Serum Prolactin test results include certain psychiatric medicines, oral estrogen drugs, high blood pressure drugs, hypothyroid medicines, kidney or liver disease, high physical or emotional stress, sleep issues, strenuous exercise before the test, and alcohol consumption 24 hours before the test.
Q. What happens if the test results show a low prolactin level?
If your prolactin levels are below the normal range, this could mean your pituitary gland is not functioning properly. This is known as hypopituitarism. Lower levels of prolactin usually do not need any medical treatment.
Q. When can a doctor suggest a Serum Prolactin test in both females and males?
A Serum Prolactin test may be suggested to women when they show symptoms like changes in sexual drive, breast milk production that is not associated with pregnancy or childbirth, irregular periods, or infertility. This test may also be suggested to men if they show symptoms of high prolactin, like erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, and abnormal breast enlargement.
Q. I got my prolactin levels tested. Now, my doctor has advised me for a thyroid test. Why is it so?
In many patients, high levels of prolactin may be seen due to low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you may be asked to get your thyroid tests done. However, high levels of prolactin do not cause low levels of thyroid hormones.
Q. Do I need additional tests along with Serum Prolactin?
Your doctor may advise additional tests depending on your situation. If your prolactin levels are high, an imaging test called a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) may be needed to rule out a prolactinoma. Also, in women, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) tests may be performed to help evaluate ovulation and fertility issues. Other tests such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolytes may also be ordered to check thyroid and kidney functions. An eye examination may also be performed to evaluate visual disturbances.
Q. Can I schedule an online booking for a Serum Prolactin test in New Delhi?
Yes. In New Delhi, you can schedule a Serum Prolactin test with Tata 1mg Labs. The test is easy to book, cost-effective, and available with a comprehensive report.
Q. Is a Serum Prolactin test eligible for home sample collection in New Delhi?
Yes, a Serum Prolactin test is eligible for home sample collection in New Delhi. With Tata 1mg Labs, you can schedule a test at your convenience, and select a date and time for sample collection that fits your schedule.
Q. What is the procedure to book a Serum Prolactin test with Tata 1mg Labs in New Delhi?
The process to book a Serum Prolactin test with Tata 1mg Labs in New Delhi is quite straightforward. To schedule a test online, follow these steps: 1). Go to the Lab Tests section on the Tata 1mg website. 2). Add your preferred test to the shopping cart. 3). Choose a time and day that works for you as long as you also take the essential prerequisites into account. 4). A confirmation notification will be sent to you with all the details once the booking is complete.
Q. How much does a Serum Prolactin test cost in New Delhi?
We at Tata 1mg understand the importance of affordable healthcare and, therefore, provide lab tests at a pocket-friendly budget. A Serum Prolactin test in New Delhi is available at Rs. 409.
Q. What is the estimated turnaround time for the results of a Serum Prolactin test in New Delhi?
Tata 1mg Labs understands the importance of timely results and strives to deliver them quickly. On average, we deliver the results of a Serum Prolactin test in New Delhi in 15 hours.
+ more
Book Serum Prolactin at-home
Easy online booking
Search for tests and packages, book a time and select address for seamless at-home lab tests.
Live tracking of phlebotomist
Stay informed with live tracking of our phlebotomist's location for seamless sample collection.
Safe collection
Our phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols to collect samples at home on time.
Sample received at lab
Your sample is bought to our laboratory for testing by our qualified experts.
Quick reports, free follow up
Reports are sent to your email. A free doctor follow up is provided to understand the report better.
References
- Al-Chalabi M, Bass AN, Alsalman I. Physiology, Prolactin [Internet]. Treasure Island, Florida: StatPearls Publishing; Jan. 2023. [Accessed 21 Aug. 2023]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507829/
- Utiger R. Prolactin [Internet]. Britannica; 14 Jul. 2023. [Accessed 21 Aug. 2023]. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/science/prolactin
- Prolactin [Internet]. ScienceDirect; [Accessed 21 Aug. 2023]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/prolactin
- Freeman ME, Kanyicska B, Lerant A, et al. Prolactin: Structure, Function, and Regulation of Secretion. Physiological Reviews. 2000;80(4):1523-1631. [Accessed 21 Aug. 2023]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.2000.80.4.1523
Other tests
Popular tests in New Delhi
Other similar tests in New Delhi
Our popular tests
Provided by 1 Lab
Frequently Booked Together