Prolactin Test (PRL) in Chennai

Prolactin Blood Test in Chennai

What is a Prolactin Test?

A prolactin lab test in Chennai is conducted to evaluate the level of prolactin present in your blood. The hormone prolactin is synthesised by the pituitary gland. The hormone causes the breast to grow and produce milk during pregnancy and after giving delivery. Therefore, levels of prolactin are generally high in pregnant women and new mothers as well. Similarly, levels of prolactin are low in men and non-pregnant women.The main functions of prolactin hormone in the human body are:

• An increase in the prolactin levels causes the mammary glands to enlarge and prepare for milk production.
• It stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk. This process is known as lactation.
• The hormone plays an essential role in determining maternal behaviour.
• The increase in the levels of prolactin hormone causes a decrease in the levels of estrogen and testosterone hormone in females and males, respectively.
• The hormone promotes the process of neurogenesis in maternal and fetal brains by facilitating the formation of the myelin coatings on axons.
• Prolactin hormone also contributes to the development of immune tolerance in the fetus.

Why is a prolactin test conducted?

A prolactin test infertility is recommended by the doctor to analyse different medical conditions that can either be severe or may relate to some other disorder:

• Production of breast milk not related to childbirth
• Erectile dysfunction
• Impotence
• Infertility
• As a follow-up to low testosterone level
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Thyroid and adrenal gland dysfunction
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome

What are the symptoms that can lead you to a prolactin test?

A serum prolactin test in Chennai is usually conducted to monitor the levels of prolactin in males and females. Symptoms for high prolactin level and low prolactin level are different. The symptoms that indicate a high prolactin level are:

• Headache
• Loss of vision
• No or less frequent and light menstrual cycle
• Having problems in conceiving
• Impotency in men
• Reduced sex drive
• Flow of breast milk even in women who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding
• Delay in puberty
• Decreased fertility
• Erectile dysfunction in men
• Decrease libido in men

Symptoms that indicate a low level of prolactin in blood are:

• Loss of body hair
• Reduced sex drive in both men and women
• Loss of facial hair in men
• Growth of breast tissues in males
• Impotency in males
• Headache
• No or less frequent menstrual cycle
• No production of milk from the breasts
• Slow growth and sexual development in children

How is the prolactin test done?

The prolactin blood test is performed on blood samples which can be either venous blood or umbilical cord blood. The venous blood is collected from the veins of the arm through a needle. The umbilical cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord of the baby when it is connected to the mother. The blood from the umbilical cord is collected by a lab technician using a needle and a syringe.

How can I interpret the results of my prolactin test?

The abnormal levels of prolactin in males and females can lead to severe health conditions. Low levels of prolactin generally indicate a condition known as hypopituitarism, that is, the improper functioning of the pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin can indicate towards conditions like:

• Chest wall injury
• Hypothalamus disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Pituitary tumor

What is the optimum range of prolactin required in the body?

The normal range of prolactin is different for females who are pregnant and the ones who are not. The optimum range of prolactin level for pregnant women is generally between 34 ng/mL to 386 ng/mL and that for females who are not pregnant are generally less than 25 ng/mL. 

What does the prolactin test cost in Chennai at Redcliffe Labs?

The PRL test is simple to conduct and is quite affordable. The prolactin test price in Chennai at Redcliffe Labs is approximately Rs 550/- which under special discounts is currently available at Rs 500/- only.

How can I book a prolactin test in Chennai in Redcliffe Labs?

There are two ways available using which you can book a PRL test in Chennai at Redcliffe Labs. This makes the booking process simple, hassle-free, and without any waiting queues. You can either call at our center, where our well-trained staff representative will help you in the booking process. Also, the prolactin blood test in Chennai can also be booked from the comfort of your home through our official website.