Are you a breastfeeding mother? You might have wondered what makes breastfeeding possible. You might also have observed that your body behaves strangely at times. The answer to all your questions lies in the hormone called Prolactin. 

The hormone prolactin is primarily known for its role in milk production. However, the hormone may fail to work as expected. That's when doctors recommend a prolactin test. It is used to determine the amount of the prolactin hormone circulating in your body. 

Prolactin is a hormone produced by a small gland in the brain called the pituitary gland. Most people know prolactin as the “breastfeeding hormone,” because it helps mothers produce milk after childbirth. However, prolactin does much more than that. It plays an important role in menstrual cycles, fertility, sexual health, and overall hormonal balance in both women and men.

When prolactin levels are too high or too low, the body may start showing symptoms such as missed periods, difficulty getting pregnant, breast discharge, reduced sexual desire, or unexplained fatigue. Understanding prolactin can help you recognize when something might be wrong and when testing is needed.

What is a Prolactin Test? 

A prolactin test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of prolactin in your body. Doctors use this test to check whether prolactin levels are within the normal range or if they are too high or too low.

This test is commonly advised when someone has symptoms related to fertility problems, menstrual changes, breast discharge, or sexual health concerns.

Importance of Prolactin Test – Why is it important? 

Prolactin is not just about breastfeeding and milk production. But it also has several other important functions the hormone can perform. It should actually be your window to your hormonal health. 

The prolactin test helps you and your doctors find a way to explain symptoms that might seem mysterious. When prolactin levels are abnormal, they can indicate several issues like  fertility, menstrual regularity, sexual health, bone density, and even your emotional well-being. 

The test can help you identify several health conditions you may be experiencing. It can help you address issues that may be minor or serious. The test will let you monitor abnormal prolactin levels early, and your healthcare provider should be able to address any potential issues you may be facing. Early detection can help your doctors improve the quality of your life. 

Why is a Prolactin test done? 

There are several reasons that your doctor may recommend a prolactin test. In fact, several compelling reasons may necessitate it. In fact, the test may be recommended when you have symptoms that indicate the possibility of prolactin irregularities. 

In the case of women, these symptoms can include irregular periods or complete absence of menstruation (amenorrhea), unexpected breast milk production when you're not pregnant or nursing (galactorrhea), nipple discharge, infertility despite trying to conceive, bone loss, or even menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. 

In the case of men, they may experience decreased sexual drive, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, breast tenderness or enlargement, or, in rare cases, breast milk production. A few other symptoms can include unexplained headaches or vision problems. 

The test may also be ordered when you have a few existing conditions. These may include prolactinoma or any other similar health issues. 

Benefits of the Prolactin Test 

Prolactin testing is considered an invaluable diagnostic tool. It does offer you numerous benefits. In essence, the test is extremely easy to use. The test does not cause any sort of discomfort. Even when you may face discomfort, it may be quite minimal. Your results will be available within a few days. 

The test will provide you with a few concrete numbers that will give healthcare providers insight into any health issues you may be facing. 

In addition to its simplicity, the prolactin test offers several ways to identify the root cause of multiple health conditions. That, in essence, should open the possibility of a targeted treatment. If you are struggling with infertility, the prolactin test should help you with the relevant insight into the possible treatment options. 

In fact, the test should give you enough insights into both high and low prolactin levels. You can use prolactin levels and the available treatment options to treat the same. 

How is the Prolactin test conducted? 

Compared to most tests, the prolactin test is simple and straightforward. Most other tests need extensive preparatory steps. But the prolactin test is relatively simple. It does not require any specific fasting or similar other requirements. 

The procedure should not take more than a few minutes. Your healthcare professional will make you sit comfortably. You will be expected to roll up your sleeve to expose your arm. A vein is located in the upper area of your arm. A sterile needle is used to draw blood to determine prolactin levels. You will have a very slight discomfort and a small pinch. 

The collection process should not take more than a few minutes. Some of you may experience minimal bruising, which may fade within a few days. 

The timing of the test may also be important for several reasons. Your blood should ideally be drawn three to four hours after you wake up. Prolactin levels fluctuate throughout the day and are known to be highest in the morning. Your healthcare provider will determine your standardised timings suitable for the test. 

For the most accurate results:

• The test is best done in the morning, about 3–4 hours after waking up
• Try to stay relaxed before the test
• Avoid heavy exercise, sexual activity, or breast stimulation before the test

This is important because prolactin levels naturally rise with stress and physical activity.

Before the prolactin test, you should let your doctor know about any medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking. Certain medications like antidepressants, birth control pills, and antihypertensive medications can influence prolactin levels, and your doctor needs this information to interpret your results accurately. 

Prolactin Test results 

Understanding the prolactin test results can help you anticipate what you can expect. In addition, it can also help you reduce any anxiety issues when it comes to the test results. 

Prolactin normal range 

Normal prolactin levels depend on gender and life stage:

• Women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding: usually below 25 ng/mL
• Men: usually below 15 ng/mL
• Pregnant women: levels increase steadily and can reach 200–400 ng/mL
• Breastfeeding mothers: levels may rise even higher during feeding

Your doctor will always interpret the result based on your symptoms and situation.

There is no standard normal range for the prolactin test. It will vary significantly by gender and reproductive health status. It is also dependent on your reproductive status. You will also observe that normal prolactin levels vary with age. 

If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, you will have a lower prolactin range. It is generally below 25 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). In men, levels are typically in the range of 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). 

However, the prolactin levels increase in the case of pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding. The prolactin levels in these women range from 80 to 400 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL). It may be noticed that this is absolutely normal and necessary. Prolactin is needed for milk production, and any lower levels may mean you have issues with respect to milk production. 

High Prolactin Levels 

Your prolactin levels may be heightened when you have a condition called hyperprolactinemia. However, the condition cannot be determined based on a single high reading. Issues such as stress, recent meals, or physical exertion can hike the prolactin levels. 

However, if you have high prolactin levels with repeated tests, it can indicate prolactinoma, a benign tumour on your pituitary gland. Generally, consistently high prolactin levels at 1000 times the normal level are considered for this diagnosis. If your doctor suspects any such issues, they will typically recommend an MRI Brain.

Having high prolactin levels can have several consequences. It can result in irregular menstrual periods. It can also result in reduced fertility, complete infertility, bone loss, breast tenderness, and unnatural milk production. In the case of men, you may face issues like decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement, and even reduced facial and body hair. 

Low Prolactin Levels 

Low prolactin levels are quite rare, but are still significant. It may indicate a symptom called hypopituitarism, where your pituitary gland isn't functioning optimally. If you are a new mother attempting to breastfeed, prolactin levels may go below 80 ng/mL. It can make milk production impossible or difficult. 

It is generally attributed to the low levels of protein in the reproductive age that have been the reason for these conditions. It can result in conditions like high blood pressure and elevated triglycerides that collectively increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

Causes & Symptoms of High Prolactin Levels 

High and low prolactin levels do not come out of nowhere. That is why it is important to understand the cause of the condition. The most common condition is prolactinoma, a benign tumour on the pituitary gland that produces excess Prolactin. 

Apart from that, the other conditions that can cause high prolactin levels are diseases affecting the hypothalamus (the part of your brain controlling the pituitary), thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and certain chest injuries or irritations like shingles. 

Several medications raise prolactin levels. These medications include antipsychotics used to treat mental health conditions, certain antidepressants, anti-nausea medications, blood pressure medications, and even some pain relievers containing opioids. Using birth control pills can also have a severe impact on the modest increase in Prolactin.

Common Causes

• Physiological
  • Pregnancy
  • Lactation
  • Stress
• Pathological
  • Prolactinoma (most common)
  • Hypothyroidism
  • PCOS
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Chest wall trauma
• Drug-induced
  • Antipsychotics (risperidone, haloperidol)
  • Antidepressants (SSRIs, TCAs)
  • Metoclopramide, domperidone
  • Verapamil
  • Estrogens

The issues, such as Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder in women, can also increase prolactin levels. Any issue that can clear Prolactin from your body may also lead to high Prolactin levels. These issues include kidney disease and liver failure. 

The typical symptoms of high prolactin levels can include irregular or absent periods, difficulty conceiving, breast tenderness or discharge, bone loss, and menopausal-like symptoms. If you are a male, you will face issues such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, breast enlargement or tenderness, and sometimes even breast milk production. 

You may experience unexpected headaches and vision changes. 

Large Prolactinoma Tumors can cause:

• Headache
• Visual field defects (bitemporal hemianopia)

Causes & Symptoms of Low Prolactin Levels 

Several reasons can cause low prolactin levels in both men and women. It is primarily because of the medications used for other diseases. It is generally caused by dopamine (used in shock treatments), levodopa (for Parkinson's disease), or ergot alkaloid derivatives (for severe headaches). 

Injury to the pituitary gland can occur for any reason. These can include injury, diseases and surgery. These issues can result in insufficient prolactin production. 

In the general population, low prolactin levels do not typically cause symptoms. However, in pregnant and breastfeeding women, low Prolactin levels indicate reduced milk production. However, this condition does not need any specific treatment. 

Conditions Diagnosed by the Prolactin Test 

The prolactin test is instrumental in diagnosing several important conditions. Prolactinoma, the most common pituitary tumour, is frequently identified through elevated prolactin levels followed by imaging studies. The test helps diagnose various fertility issues in both men and women, as abnormal Prolactin is a known cause of infertility. 

Abnormal prolactin test is also an indicator of hypothyroidism. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently presents with high Prolactin as part of the hormonal imbalance. 

It can also let the doctors diagnose the symptoms such as kidney disease and liver cirrhosis. The test also enables you to detect Hypopituitarism, a condition where the pituitary gland produces insufficient hormone. 

Additionally, the prolactin test helps evaluate unexplained menstrual irregularities, assess causes of bone loss or osteoporosis, investigate sexual dysfunction, and explore reasons for galactorrhea (inappropriate milk production) in non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding individuals. 

Wrappping Up

The prolactin test is definitely one of the best diagnosing tool for providing invaluable insights into your hormonal health. If you are struggling with fertility, experiencing unexplained menstrual irregularities, or even dealing with sexual dysfunction, this test should be the right step. The test helps identify prolactin abnormality and its underlying causes. 

A prolactin test should indeed be the first step in helping you address the symptoms right away and begin the relevant treatment. Book your prolactin test today at a trusted diagnostic centre near you and get clarity on your hormone levels. 

If you are experiencing unexplained changes in periods, fertility, or sexual health, a prolactin test may be an important first step toward finding answers and restoring balance.