Prolactin
Understanding Prolactin
What is Prolactin?
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.
What is Prolactin used for?
To investigate the cause of abnormal breast milk discharge (galactorrhea), menstrual irregularities or infertility in non-pregnant women
To evaluate the role of prolactin in case of lactation failure in women after childbirth
To investigate the cause of erection problems, testicular failure or abnormal breast discharge in men
To investigate the cause of loss of sex drive (libido) in both men and women
To detect and monitor the progress of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland that causes high levels of prolactin) in both men and women
Interpreting Prolactin results
Interpretations
High levels of prolactin can be seen in:
Tumors of the pituitary gland that produces and releases prolactin (Prolactinoma)
Diseases of the hypothalamus (a gland located in the brain)
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Hypothyroidism
Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD)
Conditions like anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)
Low levels of prolactin can be seen in:
Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Patients taking bromocriptine
Pituitary deficiency like necrosis or infarction of the pituitary gland
Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Prolactin
Frequently Asked Questions about Prolactin
Q. Which medicines can affect the levels of Prolactin hormone?
Q. Are there any other conditions which can alter the levels of Prolactin?
Q. The test results showed high prolactin levels. Do I require any other tests?
Q. I got my Prolactin levels tested. Now, my doctor has advised me thyroid test. Why is it so?
Q. What is prolactinoma?
Q. Are there any foods which can decrease the levels of prolactin?
Q. Are there any foods which can increase the levels of prolactin?
Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?
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