Serum Prolactin
Understanding Serum Prolactin
What is Serum Prolactin?
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.
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.
What is Serum Prolactin used for?
The Serum Prolactin test is done:
- In cases of infertility, menstrual irregularities, or abnormal breast milk discharge (galactorrhea) in non-pregnant women.
- To evaluate the role of prolactin in case of lactation failure in women after childbirth.
- In cases of erection problems or abnormal breast discharge in men.
- In cases of loss of sex drive (libido) in both men and women
- To detect prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland that causes high levels of prolactin) in both men and women. The signs and symptoms of prolactinoma include unexplained headaches, visual impairment, and unexplained discharge from nipples.
- To monitor the progress and treatment of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland that causes high levels of prolactin) in both men and women.
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.
Interpreting Serum Prolactin results
Interpretations
High levels of prolactin can be seen in:
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Tumors of the pituitary gland that produces and releases prolactin (Prolactinoma)
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Diseases of the hypothalamus (a gland located in the brain)
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Kidney disease
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Liver disease
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Hypothyroidism
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Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD)
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Conditions like anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)
Low levels of prolactin can be seen in:
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Pseudohypoparathyroidism
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Patients taking bromocriptine
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Pituitary deficiency, like necrosis or infarction of the pituitary gland