Prolactin Test

Prolactin is a protein that acts as a hormone; known to enable mammals to produce milk. It is an important protein and has over 300 separate processes in a wide range of animals, including humans. The protein is secreted by the pituitary gland and is done in response to eating, procreating, ovulation and child-rearing. The protein is secreted in pulses to give the body a wide range of physiological changes. As a compound in the human body, it has a broad set of roles, assisting in metabolism, immunity regulation and development of the pancreatic system in babies. The secretion of the hormone is controlled by endocrine neurons in the hypothalamus of the brain.

The test for prolactin is done, especially for women to look for the causes of various physiological changes in the body. These changes include: Unexplained headaches, Visual impairment, Lactation outside of childbirth, Discomfort during coitus, Abnormal growth of body or facial hair, Changes in the menstrual cycle, Prolactin is also used to find out issues in men. These issues include: Reduced sexual drive or libido, Fertility issues, Erectile dysfunction, Abnormal lack of body and facial hair, The changes in the levels of prolactin cause a disease known as prolactinoma – a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland which produces high levels of the hormone.

For normal humans, the levels of prolactin should fall within a specific range. The normal range of prolactin are as follows: Men: <15ng/mL Pregnant Women: 34ng/mL to 386ng/mL Women who are not Pregnant: <25ng/mL

To test for prolactin levels in humans, a simple blood test is carried out. The test can be carried out at a clean and well-lit location, including your home. The process requires an expert medical professional, and should not be performed by the patient. A rubber nozzle is tied to the upper arm, near the biceps to thrust the veins near the elbow to come closer to the skin. A piece of cotton dipped in medicated alcohol is scrubbed near the elbows to disinfect and de-sensitize the area. A hypodermic syringe is inserted into the vein, and about 2ml of blood is extracted. After the blood is taken out, the needle is removed swiftly, and the area is covered with a small cotton piece, with pressure applied to the region to allow the blood to coagulate. The extraction of the blood should be carried out in the morning, usually 3-4 hours after waking up. The test does not require any changes to diet, however, certain medications such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and high blood pressure medication can affect prolactin levels, and should be informed to the doctor beforehand.