Prolactin (PRL) Test

MaxAtHome offers a convenient and reliable way to get your Prolactin Test done from the comfort of your home. With free home sample collection, you can easily book the test online, and a trained healthcare professional will visit your home at your convenience. Results are delivered quickly - typically within 24 hours, allowing you to take the next steps toward understanding and managing your health.

What is Prolactin and Why is it Important?

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, which is a small gland located at the base of your brain. While this hormone plays an essential role in breastfeeding, it is also important for many other functions in the body.

In women, prolactin helps prepare the breasts for milk production during pregnancy and supports milk production after childbirth. It also helps regulate menstrual cycles and fertility in women, and in men, it plays an essential role in sexual function. 

Prolactin also helps maintain a balance in the body’s hormonal levels. When prolactin levels are too high or too low, it can cause health problems. For example, high prolactin levels may lead to infertility, irregular periods, or sexual issues. Low prolactin can also affect breastfeeding and cause reproductive health issues.

Overall, maintaining healthy prolactin levels is crucial for both men and women to keep the body’s systems functioning properly.

What is the Prolactin Test?

The prolactin test is a blood test that measures the levels of prolactin hormone in the bloodstream. This test is typically used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to the pituitary gland and hormonal imbalances.

Purpose of the Prolactin Test

The prolactin test is primarily used to:

• Diagnose prolactinoma (a pituitary tumor) and other pituitary-related disorders.
• Assess fertility issues, such as infertility or menstrual irregularities in women and low sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men.
• Monitor hormone levels for individuals undergoing treatment for prolactin-related disorders.

By measuring prolactin levels, the test helps doctors determine whether your prolactin levels are within a normal range or if they are elevated, which may point to an underlying condition that requires treatment.

When Should You Get a Prolactin Test?

You may need a prolactin test if you experience symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Below are common situations when the test is recommended:

For Men:

• Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
• Infertility issues.
• Unexplained breast development or nipple discharge (a condition called gynecomastia).

For Women:

• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• Infertility.
• Unexplained nipple discharge or excessive breast milk production (even when not pregnant or breastfeeding).
• Difficulty conceiving or issues with lactation postpartum.

How is the Prolactin Test Performed?

The prolactin test is a simple procedure that requires a blood sample to measure the levels of prolactin hormone. Here’s what you can expect during the test:

Preparation

Before the test, it’s essential to follow specific instructions to ensure accurate results:

• Fasting: You are required to fast for 10-12 hours before the test. This ensures that the prolactin levels are not affected by food intake.
• Timing: The test should be taken in the morning, as prolactin levels can fluctuate throughout the day. Following your healthcare provider’s advice is crucial to get the most accurate results.
• Medications: Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications, as certain drugs can interfere with prolactin levels.

During the Procedure

The procedure is straightforward:

• A trained healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The process is quick and typically takes only a few minutes.
• You may experience mild discomfort during the needle insertion, but the procedure is generally not painful.

After the Procedure

Once your blood sample is collected:

• You can resume your normal activities immediately after the test.
• The sample will be sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.
• MaxAtHome ensures that your results are available within 24 hours and can be accessed online for your convenience.

What Do Prolactin Test Results Mean?

The prolactin test measures the level of prolactin in your blood, and the results can provide valuable insight into your health. Understanding whether your prolactin levels are within the normal range or if they are high or low helps guide further treatment or diagnosis. Here's a breakdown of what your test results may indicate:

Normal Prolactin Levels

Normal prolactin levels vary depending on the lab, but typical values are:

• For women (non-pregnant): 4.8 to 23.3 ng/mL
• For men: 2.1 to 17.7 ng/mL

If your results fall within these ranges, your prolactin levels are considered normal, indicating proper pituitary gland function. In such cases, further testing may not be necessary unless other symptoms or conditions arise.

High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia)

High prolactin levels can be indicative of hyperprolactinemia, a condition where the pituitary gland produces too much prolactin. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Irregular menstrual cycles or absence of periods in women.
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving.
• Breast milk production in non-pregnant women and men.
• Reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction in men.

High levels of prolactin can be caused by a prolactinoma (a benign pituitary tumor), stress, certain medications, or other medical conditions. If your prolactin levels are elevated, your doctor may recommend further tests, such as imaging of the pituitary gland or a thyroid function test.

Low Prolactin Levels (Hypoprolactinemia)

Low prolactin levels are less common but can occur due to conditions such as hypopituitarism (underactive pituitary gland). Symptoms of low prolactin may include:

• Inability to breastfeed after childbirth.
• Disrupted menstrual cycles or infertility in women.
• Decreased sex drive and reproductive issues in men.

Low prolactin levels can also be a result of pituitary gland disorders, stress, or the use of certain medications. If your levels are low, your doctor may suggest further tests to identify the underlying cause.

What Causes Abnormal Prolactin Levels?

Abnormal prolactin levels, whether high or low, can be caused by a variety of underlying factors. Understanding the root causes of abnormal prolactin levels is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions effectively. Below are some common causes of abnormal prolactin levels:

Causes of High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia)

• Prolactinoma: A benign tumor of the pituitary gland that causes an overproduction of prolactin. It is one of the most common causes of high prolactin levels.
• Pregnancy: Prolactin levels naturally increase during pregnancy to prepare the body for breastfeeding. Elevated levels in non-pregnant women or men could indicate an issue.
• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can lead to higher levels of prolactin. The thyroid hormone helps regulate prolactin production, so when thyroid function is impaired, prolactin levels can rise.
• Medications: Certain medications, especially antipsychotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can interfere with prolactin levels and cause them to increase.
• Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease can result in reduced clearance of prolactin from the blood, leading to higher levels.
• Chest Trauma or Stimulation: Injury or stimulation of the chest area, such as from surgery or excessive breast stimulation, can cause elevated prolactin levels.

Causes of Low Prolactin Levels (Hypoprolactinemia)

• Hypopituitarism: A condition where the pituitary gland does not produce enough hormones, including prolactin. It can be caused by pituitary tumors, trauma, or infections.
• Excessive Stress: Chronic stress can lower prolactin levels, potentially impacting breast milk production and menstrual cycles.
• Medications: Some medications, such as dopamine agonists used to treat Parkinson's disease, can suppress prolactin secretion.
• Severe Malnutrition: Nutritional deficiencies and extreme weight loss can lead to low prolactin levels.
• Shut-down of the HPA Axis: Conditions that affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, such as severe stress or trauma, can result in suppressed prolactin production.

Identifying the specific cause of abnormal prolactin levels is important for determining the most appropriate treatment and management approach. If you have elevated or low prolactin levels, consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

Benefits of the Prolactin Test

The prolactin test offers several key benefits, especially when it comes to diagnosing and managing hormonal imbalances related to the pituitary gland. By measuring prolactin hormone levels, this test can provide important insights into both men's and women's health, making it a vital tool for early detection and effective treatment.

Identifying Hormonal Imbalances

The prolactin test helps identify abnormal levels of prolactin, a hormone that plays a significant role in reproductive health. Abnormal levels can indicate issues such as infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or sexual dysfunction, enabling doctors to address these concerns early on and provide appropriate treatment.

Early Detection of Pituitary Disorders

Since prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland, a prolactin test can help detect pituitary disorders, such as prolactinoma (a benign tumor), which can disrupt normal hormone production. Early diagnosis of such conditions allows for timely intervention, preventing complications like vision problems, headaches, or more severe hormone imbalances.

Guiding Treatment for Hormonal Issues

If you're undergoing treatment for hormonal imbalances or fertility issues, the prolactin test can be used to monitor and evaluate treatment effectiveness. By measuring changes in prolactin levels, doctors can adjust medications or treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Convenient and Accessible Testing

With MaxAtHome, you can easily book a prolactin test with home sample collection, offering added convenience and privacy. Results are delivered online within 24 hours, helping you make informed decisions about your health in a timely manner.

How is Abnormal Prolactin Treated?

If your prolactin test reveals abnormal levels of prolactin, your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause of the imbalance. Treatment varies depending on whether your prolactin levels are too high or low and the condition causing the abnormal levels.

Treatment for High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia)

When prolactin levels are high, treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Some of the common treatments for high prolactin levels include:

• Medications: Dopamine agonists, such as cabergoline or bromocriptine, are commonly prescribed to lower prolactin levels and shrink prolactinomas (pituitary tumors). These medications mimic dopamine, which inhibits prolactin production.
• Surgery: In cases where a prolactinoma does not respond to medication, surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor. This option is typically considered when other treatments are ineffective or if the tumor is causing significant health issues, like vision problems or headaches.
• Radiation Therapy: For large tumors that cannot be removed through surgery, radiation therapy may be used as a last resort to shrink the tumor and control prolactin levels.

Treatment for Low Prolactin Levels (Hypoprolactinemia)

Treatment for low prolactin levels is focused on addressing the underlying cause and restoring normal prolactin production. Common approaches include:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In cases of hypopituitarism (an underactive pituitary gland), hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed to restore the balance of prolactin and other necessary hormones.
• Managing Stress: Since chronic stress can suppress prolactin production, managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, or therapy may help normalize prolactin levels.
• Medications: Some conditions causing low prolactin, such as certain dopamine agonist medications, may require adjusting or changing the medication regimen under the supervision of a doctor.

Whether your prolactin levels are too high or too low, regular follow-up tests and ongoing monitoring are crucial to assess treatment effectiveness and ensure that your hormone levels are returning to normal.

How Accurate is the Prolactin Test?

The prolactin test is a highly accurate and reliable diagnostic tool when performed under the correct conditions. The test measures the level of prolactin hormone in the bloodstream, and accuracy is essential for correctly diagnosing hormonal imbalances and pituitary disorders.

Factors Affecting Test Accuracy

While the prolactin test is generally very accurate, several factors can affect the results, including:

• Timing of the test: Prolactin levels fluctuate throughout the day, so the test is best performed in the morning. It is recommended to take the test at the same time each day to ensure consistent results.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medications, can influence prolactin levels. It’s important to inform your doctor of any medications you're currently taking before the test.
• Stress: Stress can elevate prolactin levels, so it's advised to remain calm and relaxed during the test.
• Recent surgery or chest injury: Physical trauma or surgery, especially to the chest area, can also affect prolactin levels. In these cases, the results may be temporarily elevated.

Book a prolactin test Test at Home with MaxAtHome

MaxAtHome offers a seamless way to get tested without leaving home. The entire process is designed to be quick, safe, and user-friendly:

• Easy Online Booking: Select the prolactin test on the MaxAtHome platform, choose a convenient date and time, and confirm the booking in just a few clicks.
• Home Sample Collection: A trained phlebotomist visits the home at the scheduled time to collect the blood sample using sterile equipment.
• Digital Report Delivery: The sample is analysed at a certified lab, and the report is shared online—typically within 24 to 48 hours.
• Support and Assistance: For help with bookings or queries, call 01244781023 for prompt assistance.