Prolactin Test

What is PRL?
Prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, in the blood. The hormone plays a key role in breast growth and milk production during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers. Higher levels of prolactin in non-pregnant women and men are indicative of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland), liver disease, and hypothyroidism whereas low levels may indicate hypopituitarism. Some birth control pills, high blood pressure drugs, or antidepressants can affect the test results.

Why is PRL done?

To investigate the cause of abnormal breast milk discharge (galactorrhea), menstrual irregularities or infertility in non-pregnant women

To evaluate the role of prolactin in case of lactation failure in women after childbirth

To investigate the cause of erection problems, testicular failure or abnormal breast discharge in men

To investigate the cause of loss of sex drive (libido) in both men and women

To detect and monitor the progress of prolactinoma (tumor of the pituitary gland that causes high levels of prolactin) in both men and women