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Prolactin

Prolactin

For men & women
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Prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in the blood. The hormone plays a key role in breast growth and milk production during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers. Higher levels of prolactin in non-pregnant women and men are indicative of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland), liver disease, and hypothyroidism whereas low levels may indicate hypopituitarism. Some birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs, or antidepressants can affect the test results.

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FAQs related to Prolactin

Certain drugs can cause a low level of Prolactin such as Dopamine (used in conditions like shock), Levodopa (used for Parkinson’s disease), or Ergot alkaloid derivatives (used for severe headaches). However, certain drugs can cause elevated levels of Prolactin such as CNS depressants, Estrogen, drugs used for the treatment of hypertension (e.g., Reserpine, Verapamil, Methyldopa), and drugs used for treating gastroesophageal reflux like cimetidine.
Yes, there are other conditions in which high levels of prolactin can be seen, for eg., lung cancer, seizures, trauma to the chest wall, stress due to illness and use of Marijuana.
When the prolactin levels are high, the doctor may advise you to get Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) test, Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels to assess fertility problems. The testosterone test is advised in males when the prolactin level is found high. The doctor may also advise for MRI scan for the diagnosis of prolactinoma.
In many patients, high levels of Prolactin are seen along with low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism), so you may be asked to get your thyroid tests done. However, high levels of Prolactin does not cause low levels of thyroid hormones.
Prolactinomas are tumors which are usually benign (non-cancerous) of the pituitary gland in which there is production of high amounts of prolactin. These are more common in women as compared to men. Prolactinomas may cause menstrual irregularities, infertility, and bone loss in women. However, in men it can cause erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (breast enlargement), decreased muscle mass, and bone loss. If the size of the tumor is quite large, it can cause pressure symptoms like headache and problems of the vision.
Yes, foods rich in vitamin B6 like bananas, potatoes, chicken or spinach, foods rich in zinc (e.g., beef, turkey, beans, shellfish) and zinc supplements can decrease the prolactin levels.
Yes, foods such as barley (jau), fennel (saunf) and fenugreek (methi) seeds, oats, whole wheat, brown rice, and papaya can increase the levels of prolactin. These foods are considered to be helpful in milk production in new mothers.
There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.
Content created by
Written by:
Dr. Lipika Khurana
BDS, PGDHHM
Reviewed by:
Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)
MBBS, MD Lab Medicine
Want to know moreRead our editorial policy
Last Updated16th Mar 2026

Prolactin test price for other cities

Price inAhmedabadRs. 300
Price inAllahabadRs. 300
Price inAmritsarRs. 300
Price inBangaloreRs. 300
Price inBhopalRs. 300

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Contains 1 test
Prolactin