Prolactin

About this test

Prolactin is a hormone test that measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is important for reproductive health, as prolactin plays a role in lactation and menstrual cycle regulation. Abnormal prolactin levels can affect ovulation and fertility. Elevated prolactin may be associated with conditions like pituitary disorders or hormonal imbalance.

Key points:

• Measures prolactin hormone
• Important for fertility and lactation
• Helps assess hormonal balance
• Blood-based test
• Useful in menstrual disorders

Why consider this test?

Prolactin is essential in evaluating infertility and irregular menstrual cycles. It helps detect hormonal causes of reproductive issues.

Key reasons:

• Identifies hormonal imbalance
• Supports infertility diagnosis
• Helps evaluate irregular periods
• Detects pituitary disorders
• Guides treatment

Who should get tested?

Prolactin is recommended for individuals with fertility concerns, irregular periods, or unexplained lactation.

Recommended for:

• Women with irregular cycles
• Infertility evaluation
• Suspected hormonal imbalance
• Unexplained breast discharge
• Men with hormonal symptoms

More Information

Prolactin may require morning sampling for accuracy. Results should be interpreted with clinical correlation.

Additional details:

• Simple blood test
• May require fasting (sometimes)
• Hormone levels vary
• Needs medical interpretation