Description
What is PRL?
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.
Why is PRL done?
- 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 PRL 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
Additional information
| Provider | Healths First, Lal Pathlab, Medcis Pathlab |
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