Lab test · Endocrinology
Prolactin
Fertility & breast milk hormone
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Fertility & breast milk hormone
This test measures prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Its main job is to start and maintain breast milk production after childbirth. Outside pregnancy and breastfeeding, a high prolactin level can affect periods, fertility and sex drive in both women and men, so doctors check it when these problems occur.
Why a doctor may order it
- Irregular or missed periods, or difficulty getting pregnant
- Milky discharge from the nipples when not breastfeeding
- Low sex drive, erection problems or breast enlargement in men
- Headaches or changes in vision that could suggest a pituitary problem
- To follow a known prolactin-producing pituitary growth (prolactinoma) during treatment
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You do not need to fast. The sample is best taken in the morning, once you have been awake for a while and have sat quietly for a few minutes, because stress, exercise, sleep and nipple stimulation can raise prolactin for a short time. Keep taking your usual medicines, and tell your doctor about all of them, since several medicines can raise prolactin.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- Book a morning slot so the collector can take the sample at the right time. After you have rested for a few minutes, a small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, which takes only a few minutes.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
Your prolactin level is shown with the laboratory's reference range. A high level is normal in pregnancy and breastfeeding; otherwise it can be caused by stress, some medicines, an underactive thyroid, kidney disease or a small, usually non-cancerous pituitary growth called a prolactinoma. A mildly raised result is often repeated. Your doctor will interpret it with your symptoms and may order further tests.
What's included
One test: Prolactin, from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)TSH is a hormone made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)Fertility & menopause hormone৳500
- Luteinising Hormone (LH)Fertility & ovulation hormone৳550
- Testosterone (Total)This test measures total testosterone, which includes both the testosterone bound to proteins in the blood and the small free part.
- ProgesteroneOvulation & pregnancy hormone৳550
- Free TestosteroneMale hormone (testosterone) level৳750
Questions people ask
Can stress raise prolactin?
Yes. Physical or emotional stress, including worry about the blood test itself, can raise prolactin slightly. This is one reason a mildly high result is often repeated.
Which medicines can increase prolactin?
Several, including some medicines for mental health conditions, some anti-sickness medicines and some blood pressure medicines. Do not stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor.
Does high prolactin mean I have a tumour?
Not necessarily. Most raised levels have other causes, such as stress, medicines or thyroid problems. If the level stays high without a clear cause, your doctor may suggest further tests, which can include a scan of the pituitary gland.
Can high prolactin stop me getting pregnant?
It can. High prolactin can interfere with ovulation and cause irregular or absent periods. It is usually treatable, and your doctor can explain the options.
How much does a Prolactin test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳550, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Prolactin test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Prolactin report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.