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Serum Prolactin

Serum Prolactin

Also referred as
PRL test
Prolactin blood test
9,136+ booked recently
For men & women
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Know more about this test

The Serum Prolactin test checks the amount of prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland. This hormone plays a role in various body functions. In women, prolactin supports breast growth and milk production during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In men, it helps control immune function and supports reproductive health.

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Blood
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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

This test measures the amount of prolactin hormone in your blood and helps detect prolactin-secreting tumors (prolactinomas).
High prolactin can be caused by: 1) Sleep (levels rise during sleep and peak early in the morning) 2) Breastfeeding, breast stimulation 3) Stress, exercise, low blood sugar 4) Hypothyroidism, kidney or liver problems 5) Pituitary tumors, HIV, heart failure, lupus, certain medications (like antipsychotics, dopamine blockers, estrogen pills, and opiates)
Low levels can be caused by: 1) Pituitary damage or failure 2) Certain medications like bromocriptine or levodopa 3) Rare hormonal conditions like pseudohypoparathyroidism
Yes. It involves a simple blood draw. You may feel a small sting or experience minor bruising or swelling, which usually goes away. Applying ice can help reduce swelling.
Morning, about 2–3 hours after waking up. Prolactin levels are naturally higher in the evening due to the body’s natural rhythm.
Results can be affected by: 1) Certain psychiatric or hormone medications 2) Stress, poor sleep, alcohol use, or exercise before the test 3) Health issues like hypothyroidism, kidney, or liver disease
This may indicate to poor pituitary function, a condition called hypopituitarism. In most cases, low prolactin levels do not need treatment.
In women: For symptoms like unwanted breast milk, low sex drive, irregular periods, or trouble getting pregnant. In men: For erection issues, low testosterone signs, or abnormal breast development.
High prolactin levels may be due to low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism). So, your doctor may want to check your thyroid function too.
Content created by
Written by:
Dr. Lipika Khurana
BDS, PGDHHM
Reviewed by:
Dr. Hitesh Tiwari
MD Pathology, MBBS
Want to know moreRead our editorial policy
Last Updated6th Oct 2025

Serum Prolactin test price for other cities

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

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Contains 1 test
Serum Prolactin