Serum Prolactin Test

Prolactin Test: quick answers

Prolactin Test price

₹799, home sample collection

Normal range (adults)

Women (not pregnant): about 4.8–23.3 ng/mL; Men: about 4.0–15.2 ng/mL

Done for

Irregular or absent periods; Milky nipple discharge when not pregnant or breastfeeding; Difficulty conceiving

Fasting

Not required

Report

24–48 hours

What is the Prolactin Test?

The prolactin test measures prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that controls breast milk production. Outside pregnancy and breastfeeding, a raised level can disturb periods, fertility and sex hormones in both women and men.

Prolactin Test normal range

Ranges vary by assay. Prolactin is normally much higher in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your Prolactin Test result means

Mildly high

Often due to stress, a difficult blood draw, recent sleep, breast stimulation, an underactive thyroid or medicines such as some antipsychotics, anti-sickness drugs and antidepressants. The test is usually repeated before further tests.

Persistently or markedly high

Can point to a prolactin-secreting pituitary tumour (prolactinoma). Doctors may check for macroprolactin and arrange a pituitary MRI.

Low

Rarely significant. Very low levels can occur with reduced pituitary function.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

Prolactin Test levels: what does my number mean?

Prolactin 25 to 100 ng/mL

Mildly to moderately high. Stress, a breast examination, some medicines (for acidity, nausea or mental health) and an underactive thyroid can raise it. Doctors usually repeat it, sometimes with a resting sample. Often checked next: TSH Test.

Prolactin above 200 ng/mL

Very high, most often from a small benign pituitary growth (prolactinoma). Doctors usually advise a pituitary MRI and an endocrinologist's review.

Typical adult cut-offs. Read your number against the range printed on your own report, and with a doctor if it is outside it.

Why is the Prolactin Test done?

• Irregular or absent periods
• Milky nipple discharge when not pregnant or breastfeeding
• Difficulty conceiving
• Low sex drive or erectile problems in men
• Headache or vision changes with a suspected pituitary tumour
• Monitoring a known prolactinoma

What does the Serum Prolactin Test measure?

1 parameter. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

Prolactin Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Blood. Fasting: Not required.

• You do not need to fast. This test is best done in the morning; avoid breast stimulation, stress, and vigorous exercise before the blood draw.

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