Prolactin

Test Details

A Prolactin test is done to check the amount of prolactin in a sample of your blood. The pituitary gland, which is a small gland situated near the base of the brain, secretes the hormone prolactin. Hormones are chemical messengers that circulate in the blood and regulate the function of specific cells or organs. The primary function of prolactin is to promote the breast tissue to grow during pregnancy and produce milk after delivery. Thus, prolactin levels are normally high in pregnancy and in new mothers. If prolactin levels increase in men and women (who are not pregnant or nursing), it can trigger the production of breast milk. In women, high prolactin levels (or hyperprolactinaemia) can affect the functioning of ovaries and lead to menstrual irregularities and infertility (inability to conceive). In men, high prolactin levels can affect the functioning of the testes and result in decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection). High prolactin levels can be caused by several conditions, such as pituitary gland disorders, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or even certain medications. A Prolactin test cannot identify the cause of high prolactin levels, but knowing your prolactin level can help your doctor decide which other tests are needed to find the cause of your symptoms.