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Serum Prolactin

Serum Prolactin near me in Bhopal

Also referred as
PRL test
Prolactin blood test
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The 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 Bhopal 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.

The 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.

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred, however, not mandatory for this test. It is important to note that prolactin levels can vary throughout the day as prolactin is secreted episodically and may be influenced by factors such as stress (emotional or venepuncture stress), exercise, pregnancy, breast feeding, sexual contact and sleep. Your doctor may advise a fasting blood sample at least 2–3 hours after waking up. In case of mild elevations, not correlating with clinical picture, a pooled prolactin test may be done on a later date (3 blood samples taken at 15–20 min intervals to minimise the effect of Prolactin pulsatility).

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Preparations
Overnight fasting required for 8 to 12 hours
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Understanding Serum Prolactin

Prolactin plays a crucial role in a wide range of physiological processes, particularly in the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding in women. Its release is controlled by the pituitary gland and can be influenced by several factors, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, emotional or physical stress, sleep patterns, and certain medications.

The Serum Prolactin test helps diagnose hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels).It can be  caused by certain medicines, pituitary tumors (called prolactinomas), thyroid problems, and kidney or liver disease. This test can also detect low prolactin levels, which are rare but can be caused by certain drugs or pituitary disorders.

Doctors may recommend this test to women who have unusual breast milk discharge (not related to pregnancy), irregular periods, or fertility problems. On the other hand, men can get this test when they have symptoms like low sex drive, erection problems, or abnormal breast growth.

Prolactin levels change throughout the day and can be affected by stress, exercise, sleep, and sexual activity. Although fasting is not mandatory, your doctor may ask for a morning blood sample, taken 2–3 hours after waking upIf mildly elevated prolactin levels do not match the clinical symptoms, your doctor may recommend a pooled prolactin test on another day. This involves collecting three blood samples at 15–20 minute intervals to reduce the impact of natural fluctuations (pulsatility) in prolactin levels.

Test result ranges may vary slightly across laboratories. Talk with your doctor to understand what your result means. Based on the findings, they may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to manage your health.

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What does Serum Prolactin measure?

The Serum Prolactin test measures how much prolactin hormone is in the blood. During pregnancy, prolactin works along with estrogen and progesterone to prepare the body for breastfeeding. After delivery, prolactin helps start and maintain milk production. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin levels drop soon after birth.

Besides pregnancy, the most common cause of high prolactin is a prolactinoma. It is a non-cancerous tumor in the pituitary gland. These tumors are more common in women but can also occur in men. If the tumor becomes large, it may press on the optic nerve, causing headaches and vision problems. It can also affect the production of other hormones.

FAQs related to Serum Prolactin in Bhopal

The 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).
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.
The 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.
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.
Yes. In Bhopal, you can schedule the Serum Prolactin test near you with Tata 1mg Labs. The test is easy to book, cost-effective, and available with a comprehensive report.
Yes, the Serum Prolactin test is eligible for home sample collection in Bhopal. 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.
The process to book the Serum Prolactin test with Tata 1mg Labs in Bhopal 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.
We at Tata 1mg understand the importance of affordable healthcare and, therefore, provide lab tests at a pocket-friendly budget. The Serum Prolactin test in Bhopal is available at Rs. 499.
Tata 1mg Labs understands the importance of timely results and strives to deliver them quickly. On average, we deliver the results of the Serum Prolactin test in Bhopal in 30 hours.

Serum Prolactin test price for other cities

Price inBangaloreRs. 499
Price inNew DelhiRs. 499
Price inMumbaiRs. 499
Price inKolkataRs. 499
Price inGurgaonRs. 499

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Serum Prolactin