What is the Prolactin serum Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!

What is prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone present in both males and females but is known for breast tissue development and milk production during pregnancy or breastfeeding mother. Mostly prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulated by dopamine and oestrogen.

Prolactin level usually increases during pregnancy or within six months of postpartum.

Also Read: Estrogen Test

What is the prolactin serum Test?

Prolactin or PRL is done to measure the amount of prolactin hormone in the blood.

Why prolactin serum should be checked?

Prolactin level may help to obtain certain information about health conditions in both males and females.

There are several health conditions which are mentioned below:

In Females:

• Infertility
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Galactorrhoea ( breast milk discharge with no relation to pregnancy)
• Breast tenderness
• In premature menopause
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Females after menopause may not cause the symptoms but it can cause hypothyroidism and it can cause symptoms like, weight gain, fatigue, constipation, body pain etc.

In males:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Low libido
• Gynaecomastia
• galactorrhea
• Infertility
• Low testosterone
• Low bone density

What is the normal value of Prolactin serum?

In females: less than 25 ng/ml

In pregnant women: 80-400 ng/ml

In males: less than 17ng/ml

What causes a high level of prolactin level?

High Prolactin serum can be caused by the following reasons:

• Prolactinoma
• Brain disease is mainly related to the hypothalamus
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disease
• Irritation and injury to the chest wall
• Emotional and physical stress

Certain medications like

• Antidepressants
• Estrogen
• H2 blockers
• methyldopa
• reserpine
• risperidone etc.
• Marijuana products or medicine that contains opioids can also cause high prolactin levels.

What causes a low-level of prolactin level?

Low prolactin levels can be caused by many reasons:

• Hypopitutaritism (the pituitary gland is not working properly.)
• Certain drugs like dopamine, levodopa, ergot alkaloid derivatives etc.

What does a low prolactin level indicate?

Low prolactin can cause

• low libido
• Irregular periods
• Vaginal dryness

Also Read: Progesterone Test

For more information, you can visit NHS and Testing.com.