The prolactin (PRL) blood test is used to detect the levels of a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. The primary role of this hormone is to initiate and then maintain the levels of breast milk that a nursing or pregnant woman is able to create. The test results can then communicate to a medical provider if the pituitary gland is operating as it should, if there are medical issues that should be addressed, or if there is a reason behind the delayed or prolonged production of breast milk.
When Is the PRL Blood Test Ordered?
The PRL blood test is typically ordered when there are unusual aspects to the way a woman is producing breast milk. It may also be ordered with other hormone tests when there are irregularities in a menstrual cycle. Men may also have the PRL blood test ordered for them if they have been diagnosed with infertility or are struggling with ED [erectile dysfunction].
Certain tumors, called prolactinomas, may also create higher than normal levels of prolactin. The PRL blood test can be used to detect these tumors, monitor a treatment plan to remove them, and determine if a relapse has occurred. Certain pituitary gland disorders may also trigger the ordering of this test for certain individuals.
When To See a Doctor About the PRL Blood Test
Any time there are unexplained headaches that are accompanied by some for of visual impairment, a medical provider should be brought in to consult with the bothersome symptoms. This is especially true if there is discharge coming from the nipples when the headache occurs.
Men and women should both seek help if they have been diagnosed with infertility. Low sex drive, fatigue, and other symptoms of low testosterone should also be evaluated.
What Do My Test Results Mean?
Most individuals will have very little prolactin that can be detected by the PRL blood test. This is because the most common reason why a high level of prolactin would be needed is during the childbirth and infant feeding stages of life. Outside of nursing, there is no need for prolactin to be released to stimulate breast milk production.
This means most test results that are communicated as being abnormal will have a high level of this hormone discovered by the blood test. Unlike other tests, however, collections may be required throughout a 24 hour period for accurate results to be achieved. This is because prolactin levels rise naturally during the times of sleep and peak about 3-4 hours after waking up.
If the results average as being abnormal or high, then there could be a number of different causes. In women of childbearing age, it could indicate that there is a pregnancy that has not yet been discovered. It also means that there may be hypothyroidism or a disease of the hypothalamus that would need to be treated. It can also be a symptom of certain types of liver disease or ovarian syndromes.
Having a tumor that produces this hormone can also be detected with the PRL blood test. These tumors can be benign or malignant, so a biopsy will normally be required. Certain pituitary diseases and tumors may also create abnormal results on this test.
Here’s What You Need To Know
Certain conditions can cause temporary increases in prolactin levels. People who regularly use marijuana have a moderate increase of this hormone when compared to those who do not use cannabis products. The presence of an illness, a seizure, and trauma that occurs to the chest wall may also cause a temporary increase. People diagnosed with lung cancer will also typically have higher prolactin levels.
Certain prescriptions that people may be taking can also create higher hormone levels. This includes hormone therapies, certain antidepressants, risperidone, amphetamines, and opiates that are used in painkillers. Some hypertension drugs and medication that is used to treat reflux disorders can also cause increases. Some medications, such as dopamine or levodopa, are known to lower hormone levels as well.
Surgery is sometimes necessary when there is a prolactinoma that is large or not responding to a treatment plan. Sometimes these tumors will reoccur after removal, although this happens only occasionally. There are also individuals who have naturally higher levels of this hormone because it does not actively bind to proteins in their blood.
Most PRL blood tests required follow-up testing for a diagnosis to be received. If abnormal results have been communicated to you regarding this test, then discuss what options may be available to you with your medical provider to begin a treatment plan. With the right approach, your prolactin levels can be lowered to become normal once again.