Pre test Information : No Special Preparation Needed

A prolactin (PRL) test determines the concentration of prolactin in the blood. The pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, produces prolactin. During pregnancy and after birth, prolactin stimulates breast growth and milk production. Prolactin levels are typically elevated in pregnant women and new mothers. Nonpregnant women and men typically have low levels.

When prolactin levels are higher than normal, it often indicates the presence of a prolactinoma, a type of pituitary gland tumour. This tumour causes the gland to produce an excessive amount of prolactin. Excess prolactin can cause men and women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding to produce breast milk. Too much prolactin in women can also cause menstrual problems and infertility (the inability to get pregnant). It can cause decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction in men (ED). ED, also known as impotence, is the inability to obtain or keep an erection.

Prolactinomas are usually harmless (noncancerous). However, if left untreated, these tumours can cause damage to surrounding tissues.

Other names: prolactin blood test, PRL test

What is its purpose?

A prolactin levels test is most commonly used to:

• Diagnose a prolactinoma (a type of pituitary gland tumour) 
• Assist in determining the cause of a woman's menstrual irregularities and/or infertility 
• Assist in determining the cause of a man's low sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction 

What is the purpose of a prolactin level test?

If you have symptoms of a prolactinoma, you may require this test. Symptoms could include:

• Breast milk production if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding
• The nipple discharge
• Headaches
• Vision changes

Other symptoms vary depending on whether you're a man or a woman. If you are a woman, your symptoms will also be affected by whether or not you have gone through menopause. Menopause is the period in a woman's life when her menstrual periods cease and she is no longer able to become pregnant. It usually begins around the age of 50 for a woman.

Excess prolactin symptoms in women who have not gone through menopause include:

• Irregular periods
• Periods that have ended before the age of 40 This is referred to as premature menopause.
• Infertility
• Breast sensitivity 

Women who have experienced menopause may not experience symptoms until the condition worsens. Excess prolactin after menopause frequently results in hypothyroidism. The body does not produce enough thyroid hormone in this condition. Hypothyroidism symptoms include: 

• Fatigue 
• Weight gain 
• Muscle pain 
• Constipation 
• Inability to tolerate cold temperatures 

Excess prolactin in men causes the following symptoms:

• Nipple discharge 
• Breast enlargement 
• Low sex drive 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Hair loss

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