What is this test?
Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates milk production. Elevated levels can cause menstrual irregularities, difficulty getting pregnant and nipple discharge. Because it is affected by stress and lack of sleep, the sample should preferably be given in the morning, when well rested.
When is it requested?
Investigation of pituitary adenoma, infertility, galactorrhea
What does a high PRL result mean?
High prolactin is common and often due to temporary factors such as stress, poor sleep or medicines; if it stays high, the pituitary gland is evaluated.
- Stress, needle anxiety, lack of sleep or fatigue before the blood draw
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nipple stimulation or intense exercise
- Certain medicines (e.g., psychiatric drugs, anti-nausea and stomach drugs)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Macroprolactin (a large, biologically inactive form of prolactin)
- Benign pituitary tumor (prolactinoma)
What does a low PRL result mean?
Low prolactin is rare and usually causes no symptoms; it may be related to certain medicines or, rarely, an underactive pituitary gland.
- Dopamine-acting medicines (e.g., treatments used to lower prolactin)
- Normal individual variation
- Underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
- Pituitary damage after childbirth (Sheehan syndrome; no breast milk)
My result is outside the reference range. What should I do?
Give blood 2–3 hours after waking, rested and calm. For a mild rise your doctor usually repeats the test and may check macroprolactin; mention any medicines you take.
Reference ranges depend on the method, age and sex; always use the range printed on your report. This information is for general guidance only; consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Sample information
- Sample type: Serum
- Tube / container: Yellow-top tube
- Sample volume: 1 mL
Preparation
Serum (Sample must be collected fasting after the patient has rested for 30 minutes.)
Testing and results
- Method: ECLIA
- Run schedule: Daily
- Turnaround time: 4 hours
Price and appointment
Add the test to your list to receive a price quote by e-mail, or call +90 850 640 07 30 / message us on WhatsApp (+90 537 301 22 14). You can have the test done at our branches or with our home blood collection service. Results can be viewed online with your Turkish ID number (or passport number for foreign nationals).