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Serum Prolactin

Serum Prolactin

Also referred as
PRL test
Prolactin blood test
For men & women
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The Serum Prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, and helps diagnose and monitor conditions related to abnormal prolactin levels. In women, prolactin stimulates breast development and milk production during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In men, it contributes to regulating the immune system and reproductive function.

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Understanding Serum Prolactin

Prolactin plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, particularly in the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding in women. The pituitary gland regulates prolactin secretion, and factors such as stress, pregnancy, and nursing can influence its levels.

The Serum Prolactin test helps diagnose hyperprolactinemia (elevated levels of prolactin in the blood) that can be caused by various factors, including medications, pituitary tumors (prolactinomas), hypothyroidism, kidney or liver disease. It can also detect hypoprolactinemia or low levels of prolactin, which is relatively rare and can be caused by certain medications and pituitary disorders. Additionally, the Serum Prolactin test also helps monitor the effectiveness of treatment, such as medications or surgery of pituitary tumors.

The Serum Prolactin test may be recommended for women with symptoms, such as changes in sexual drive, breast milk production that is not associated with pregnancy or childbirth, or irregular periods. It helps assess conditions affecting the reproductive system, especially infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, or galactorrhea (inappropriate lactation). In men, the Serum Prolactin test helps assess sexual dysfunction and infertility and may be suggested for individuals who show symptoms such as erectile dysfunction and abnormal breast enlargement.

Usually, overnight fasting is preferred for this test. Therefore, do not eat or drink anything except water before the test. It's important to note that prolactin levels can vary throughout the day as ​​prolactin is secreted episodically and may be influenced by factors such as stress, exercise, and sleep. Therefore, multiple prolactin tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition and formulate your treatment plan.

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What does Serum Prolactin measure?

The Serum Prolactin test measures the levels of prolactin hormone in a person’s body. During pregnancy, prolactin, estrogen, and progesterone hormones stimulate breast milk development. Following childbirth, prolactin helps initiate and maintain the breast milk supply. If a woman does not breastfeed, her prolactin concentration will soon drop back to pre-pregnancy levels.

Besides pregnancy, the most common cause of elevated prolactin concentration is prolactinoma, a prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland. Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor and are usually benign (non-cancerous). They develop more frequently in women but are also found in men.

If the pituitary gland and/or the tumor enlarge significantly, it can put pressure on the optic nerve, causing headaches and visual disturbances, and can interfere with the other hormones that the pituitary gland produces.

FAQs related to Serum Prolactin

The Serum Prolactin test is done to measure the quantity of prolactin hormone (a hormone released by the pituitary gland that is responsible for breast enlargement and milk production in lactating females) and detect prolactinoma (a tumor of the pituitary gland).
Some common causes of increased prolactin levels are sleep (levels rise rapidly during sleep and peak in early hours), nursing, breast stimulation, exercise, hypoglycemia, emotional stress, exercise, ambulation, protein ingestion, hypothyroidism, pituitary tumors (prolactinomas and others), hypothalamic/pituitary stalk lesions, renal failure, HIV infection (21%), CHF, SLE, advanced multiple myeloma, Rathke cleft cyst, and intake of drugs like dopamine antagonists (phenothiazines, haloperidol, risperidone, reserpine, methyldopa, estrogens, opiates, cimetidine).
Some of the causes of decreased prolactin levels are pituitary necrosis/infarction, use of some drugs like bromocriptine, levodopa, etc., and conditions like pseudohypoparathyroidism.
There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked to collect a blood sample and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Some people may rarely experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times daily for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.
The Serum Prolactin test should be performed in the morning, nearly 2-3 hours after waking up, as the prolactin levels are usually high in the evening due to circadian rhythm.
Some factors that can affect the Serum Prolactin test results include certain psychiatric medicines, oral estrogen drugs, high blood pressure drugs, hypothyroid medicines, kidney or liver disease, high physical or emotional stress, sleep issues, strenuous exercise before the test, and alcohol consumption 24 hours before the test.
If your prolactin levels are below the normal range, this could mean your pituitary gland is not functioning properly. This is known as hypopituitarism. Lower levels of prolactin usually do not need any medical treatment.
A Serum Prolactin test may be suggested to women when they show symptoms like changes in sexual drive, breast milk production that is not associated with pregnancy or childbirth, irregular periods, or infertility. This test may also be suggested to men if they show symptoms of high prolactin, like erectile dysfunction, low testosterone levels, and abnormal breast enlargement.
In many patients, high levels of prolactin may be seen due to low levels of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism). Therefore, you may be asked to get your thyroid tests done. However, high levels of prolactin do not cause low levels of thyroid hormones.
Your doctor may advise additional tests depending on your situation. If your prolactin levels are high, an imaging test called a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) may be needed to rule out a prolactinoma. Also, in women, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) tests may be performed to help evaluate ovulation and fertility issues. Other tests such as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and electrolytes may also be ordered to check thyroid and kidney functions. An eye examination may also be performed to evaluate visual disturbances.
Content created by
Written by:
Dr. Surabhi Srivastava
BDS
Reviewed by:
Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)
MBBS, MD Lab Medicine
Want to know moreRead our editorial policy
Last Updated18th Nov 2025

Serum 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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Serum Prolactin