Prolactin Blood Test – Accurate Hormone Level Testing for Men & Women

Description

Prolactin Blood Test – Accurate Hormonal Assessment for Reproductive & Pituitary Health

The Prolactin Blood Test from Lab Tests Dubai is a critical diagnostic assay that measures levels of prolactin, a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland—a small but powerful organ at the base of the brain.

While prolactin’s primary role is to stimulate breast milk production after childbirth, it also plays a vital role in:

• Regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation
• Influencing fertility in both men and women
• Modulating immune function and behavior

Abnormal prolactin levels can signal:

• Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin)
• Prolactinoma (benign pituitary tumor)
• Hypothyroidism
• Medication side effects
• Hypopituitarism (low prolactin)

Using high-sensitivity chemiluminescence technology, this serum-based test delivers accurate results within just 1 day, making it essential for:

• Evaluating infertility and anovulation
• Diagnosing galactorrhea (milk discharge)
• Investigating pituitary tumors
• Monitoring treatment with dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline)

Available with home blood collection, Lab Tests Dubai ensures fast, accurate, and stress-free testing—so you can take control of your hormonal health with confidence.

Why You Need This Test

If you’re struggling with infertility, irregular periods, or unexplained nipple discharge, this test could reveal the hidden hormonal cause.

You need the Prolactin Test if:

• You have irregular, absent, or infrequent periods
• You’re experiencing infertility despite regular ovulation signs
• You notice milky discharge from nipples (galactorrhea)—even without pregnancy
• You’re a man with low libido, erectile dysfunction, or infertility
• You have persistent headaches or vision changes (pituitary tumor red flags)
• You’re being evaluated for hypothyroidism or pituitary dysfunction
• You’re on antipsychotics, antidepressants, or anti-nausea drugs (can raise prolactin)

Prolactin suppresses GnRH, leading to:

• Reduced FSH/LH → No ovulation
• Low testosterone in men
• Infertility in both sexes

This test is your first step toward restoring hormonal balance.

Symptoms That Indicate This Test

Consider the Prolactin Test if you experience:

✅ For Women:

• Missed or irregular periods
• Difficulty conceiving
• Galactorrhea (milky nipple discharge)
• Low libido or vaginal dryness
• Acne or hirsutism (if PCOS coexists)

✅ For Men:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Low libido
• Infertility or low sperm count
• Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
• Fatigue or depression

✅ For Pituitary Concerns:

• Headaches (especially morning)
• Vision problems (tunnel vision, double vision)
• Diagnosis of pituitary mass on MRI

✅ For Medication Users:

• On risperidone, haloperidol, SSRIs, domperidone, or verapamil

These signs may point to elevated prolactin—and this test provides actionable insights.

Natural Production: How Prolactin Regulates Hormonal Balance

Prolactin is produced by lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland.

Its secretion is tonically inhibited by dopamine from the hypothalamus—so anything that blocks dopamine can raise prolactin.

Normal Prolactin Levels (Approximate):

High Prolactin (Hyperprolactinemia) May Indicate:

• Prolactinoma (most common pituitary tumor)
• Hypothyroidism (elevated TRH stimulates prolactin)
• Medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants, opioids)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Stress, sleep, or breast stimulation

Low Prolactin (Hypoprolactinemia):

• Rare, but can occur in Sheehan’s syndrome or pituitary failure

This test is often paired with TSH, FSH, LH, and MRI for full evaluation.

What Happens If Untreated? Risks of Ignoring High Prolactin

Ignoring elevated prolactin levels can lead to:

⚠️ Infertility & Anovulation – without diagnosis, treatment is delayed
⚠️ Prolactinoma Growth – tumor can compress optic nerves → vision loss
⚠️ Osteoporosis – from long-term low estrogen/testosterone
⚠️ Sexual Dysfunction & Relationship Strain
⚠️ Missed Hypothyroidism – easily treated with thyroid hormone

The good news? Most causes are treatable with:

• Cabergoline or bromocriptine (dopamine agonists)
• Thyroid hormone replacement (for hypothyroidism)
• Medication review or switch
• Surgery (for large tumors)

Early testing = faster relief and better fertility outcomes.

How to Prepare for the Test

To ensure accurate results:

✅ Test in the morning (9–10 AM) – prolactin is highest then
✅ Fast for 8–12 hours (water allowed)
✅ Avoid breast stimulation, sexual activity, or stress 12 hours before
✅ Inform your doctor of:

• Medications (especially antipsychotics, SSRIs, domperidone)
• Recent illness or chest wall injury
• History of pituitary or thyroid disease

A serum blood sample is collected via standard draw—available at our labs or via home collection.

Test Overview: High-Sensitivity Chemiluminescence Method

Interpretation:

• <25 ng/mL → Normal (varies by lab)
• 25–100 ng/mL → Mild-moderate elevation (check meds, TSH)
• >100 ng/mL → High likelihood of prolactinoma
• >200 ng/mL → Likely macroprolactinoma (needs MRI)

Results are reported with reference ranges and clinical notes.

FAQs About the Prolactin Blood Test

Q: Can stress raise prolactin?
A: Yes. Acute stress, sleep, or exercise can temporarily elevate levels. Retest if borderline.

Q: Can I have high prolactin without a tumor?
A: Yes. Medications, hypothyroidism, or kidney disease are common causes.

Q: Does high prolactin mean cancer?
A: No. Prolactinomas are benign—but can grow and cause complications.

Q: Can I book without a doctor’s referral?
A: Yes! Lab Tests Dubai allows direct online booking—ideal for proactive screening.

Q: How will I get results?
A: A secure digital report is emailed within 24 hours, including prolactin level and clinical notes.

Q: Is this test covered by insurance?
A: Yes. Hormonal imbalance testing is medically necessary—covered by most UAE insurers.

If you’re tired of missed periods, infertility, or unexplained discharge, the Prolactin Test gives you the answers you need in just 1 day.