Serum Prolactin Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Normal Range

Table of Content

Introduction to Prolactin Test

A prolactin test measures the level of prolactin in your bloodstream. This hormone, produced by the pea-sized pituitary gland located at the base of the brain, plays an important role in various bodily functions.

High prolactin levels are often seen in pregnant women or those who have recently given birth, indicating your body's natural response to nurturing new life. In contrast, people who are not pregnant typically have lower prolactin levels in their blood.

A prolactin test may be recommended to help diagnose conditions caused by abnormally high or low prolactin levels.

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition in which prolactin levels are lower than the normal range. However, this illness is quite uncommon. Hyperprolactinemia, or high prolactin levels, is increased prolactin levels. It can determine whether the levels are too high or too low.

Higher than normal prolactin levels in the blood can cause certain symptoms, including irregular periods, infertility, and erectile dysfunction.

Your doctor may also recommend the test to measure the prolactin levels in the body to identify the cause of symptoms. So, if you are experiencing any symptoms, consult your doctor and take the serum prolactin test from nearby Redcliffe Labs, or you can book your appointment online with us. We ensure you provide the best experience with a 100% reported guarantee and on-time reports. 

Test details in brief

Purpose of the Prolactin Test

The prolactin test measures prolactin levels. It helps doctors diagnose various health conditions- 

• Monitoring—The prolactin test monitors a person's health condition or response to treatment. Doctors commonly use prolactin testing over time to assess the effectiveness of treatment. The PRL test helps monitor patients with prolactinoma, a type of tumor that affects prolactin levels. 
• Diagnosis—The test helps to determine the cause of a patient's symptoms. Doctors may recommend the prolactin test as part of the diagnostic test to understand the symptoms of high or low prolactin levels.

What does the Prolactin Test measure?

Prolactin hormone is produced by the pituitary gland, which plays a critical role in breast development and milk production in women or anyone with ovaries. The test measures the prolactin levels in the blood sample. 

The normal function of prolactin in men or anyone with testes is unknown. 

Prolactin plays a vital role in various bodily functions, such as:

1. Milk Production: It stimulates breast milk production in women after childbirth.
2. Reproductive Health: It affects reproductive hormones in both men and women, influencing menstrual cycles in women and testosterone levels in men.
3. Other Roles: Prolactin may also help maintain the immune system and overall hormonal balance.

Abnormal prolactin levels in the blood can disrupt the release of other hormones, leading to various health effects. The test helps diagnose conditions like prolactinoma (a pituitary tumor), hypothyroidism, or other hormonal imbalances.

Preparation for the Prolactin Test

The prolactin test measures prolactin levels in the blood. It is performed differently from other blood tests.

Generally, no fasting is required before the prolactin test. You can eat and drink before the PRL test. If you have any doubts about the test, ask your healthcare provider before taking the test.

The procedure of the Prolactin Test

A health professional will draw the blood for your prolactin test. The blood sample is usually drawn from the vein of your arm.

The healthcare expert will clean the arm site with an antiseptic solution, and then he will be placed near the upper part of the arm. The tourniquet helps to increase blood flow and make the veins visible. Next, using a clean needle, he will collect the blood. You might feel a little pinch or sting-like pain or discomfort during the sample collection, but this will get normal sometimes. Blood will be collected in a vial or test tube. It should take no more than a few minutes to collect the blood sample. 

After the needle is removed from the vein, the healthcare provider applies pressure and bandages to the puncture site to stop the bleeding and prevent bruising or other risks. There is little or no risk involved with the process, and you can resume your day-to-day activities right after the serum prolactin test.

What do the Prolactin Test reports indicate?

Prolactin blood test results are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). 

You will have to consult your reports with your doctor to understand your prolactin test results. They will consider symptoms, sex, and medical history and then interpret your test results.

In general, for men and women who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding, higher than normal prolactin levels may be a sign of some health conditions, such as:

• Prolactinoma or another pituitary disorder.
• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
• Kidney disease.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women.

If your test results show high prolactin levels, your doctor may recommend another blood test to diagnose the cause. If your healthcare provider thinks you may have a prolactinoma, then he may also suggest an MRI scan to evaluate the pituitary gland for tumors.

Higher prolactin levels don't always mean you require medical health conditions. A diet high in protein and certain medications may cause high prolactin levels. Prolactin levels may increase due to stress, exercise, and sex. So, based on your symptoms and medical history, your medical professional may recommend that you test again to see if your prolactin levels are high or normal.

Lower than normal prolactin levels are rare, but it is a sign of pituitary disorder. Without low prolactin, a woman cannot make enough milk to breastfeed after birth.

The prolactin level values are- 

• For people assigned male at birth (AMAB): Less than 20 ng/mL.
• For people assigned female at birth (non-pregnant/not breastfeeding), less than 25 ng/mL.
• For pregnant people or those with chestfeeding: 80 to 400 ng/mL.

When should you take the Prolactin Test?

A prolactin test is recommended to evaluate the symptoms that could suggest increased prolactin levels. High prolactin can interfere with the function of the ovaries and testes, which may cause these symptoms- 

• Infertility
• A change in sex drive
• Breast milk production
• Erectile dysfunction
• Irregular menstrual cycles

What causes high levels of prolactin?

Several factors can cause higher than normal prolactin levels, including-

• Prolactinoma is a pituitary gland tumor (the most common cause).
• Certain medications.
• Certain health conditions.
• Other pituitary gland tumors

What are the signs and symptoms of high prolactin levels?

For people with higher-than-normal prolactin levels in their blood, it can cause abnormal symptoms. Here are some-

• Infertility
• Loss of interest in sex
• Milky discharge from nipples when not pregnant or chestfeeding (galactorrhea)

For people assigned female at birth (AFAB), here are the symptoms of excess prolactin-

• Changes in menstruation, including irregular periods or no periods 
• Pain during penetrative sex due to vaginal dryness.

For people assigned male at birth (AMAB), here are the common symptoms of prolactinoma include:

• Low levels of testosterone
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia)

Prolactin Test Normal Range

The normal range of prolactin in the blood may vary slightly from laboratory to laboratory. The main reason is each lab uses different measurements to test different samples. The normal range for men is below 20 ng/ml, for non-pregnant women it is below 25 ng/ml, and for pregnant women, the range is between 80 to 400 ng/ml. Consult your healthcare provider for the correct interpretation of the prolactin test result.

Who should take the Prolactin Test?

Here are the categories of people who should take the PRL test- 

For Women

• Milk production unrelated to delivery (galactorrhea)
• Inability to conceive (infertility)
• Discharge from Nipples
• Decreased sex drive
• Irregular menstruation or amenorrhea (amenorrhea)
• Headache or 
• Loss of vision, etc.

For Men

• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Decreased Sex drive
• Hard to get an erection
• Breast milk production (very rare)

If you have prolactinoma, your prolactin levels may be checked during treatment to determine its effectiveness.

Prolactin Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The prolactin level test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 549. You can book your test online using our Android app, Redcliffe Labs. We guarantee 100% report correctness with every report and ensure we provide the reports on time. We have fully automated machines with the latest technology that ensure quality reports. The test reports are regularly processed by 50+ internal and external quality control checks. 

We are trusted by more than 50,000 Doctors across India. We have labs in more than 220 cities with a network of 80+ Labs, 2000+ Collection Centres, and 1000+ certified sample collection experts across the Country. We aim to provide quality diagnostics to every Indian. So why are you delaying? Book your serum prolactin test today!

Prolactin Test Cost in Different Cities

Note: We also offer Prolactin Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book your Prolactin Test with Redcliffe Labs Today!

The prolactin test assesses hormonal health, especially if you are experiencing symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, unexplained breast discharge, or low libido. This test helps to detect conditions such as prolactinoma, thyroid dysfunction, or other hormonal imbalances. 

A prolactin test can detect health issues early, prevent complications, and improve overall health. So, if you are looking for the Prolactin test, then book your test with Redcliffe Labs. 

With cutting-edge technology, highly skilled professionals, and strict hygiene protocols, we ensure 100% report correctness in every test. 

So, take your time taking charge of your health! Book your Prolactin Test with Redcliffe Labs today and experience diagnostic excellence personalized to your needs. Because when it comes to your health, you deserve the best!