Prolactin test
A prolactin (PRL) test measures how much of a hormone called prolactin you have in your blood. The hormone is made in your pituitary gland, which is located just below your brain.
When women are pregnant or have just given birth, their prolactin levels increase so they can make breast milk. But it’s possible to have high prolactin levels if you’re not pregnant, and even if you’re a man.
Your doctor may order a prolactin test when you report having the following symptoms:
For women
- Irregular or no periods
- Infertility
- Breast milk discharge when you’re not pregnant or nursing
- Tenderness in your breast
- Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness
For men
- Decreased sex drive
- Difficulty in getting an erection
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Breast milk production (very rare)
For both
Causes of Abnormal Prolactin Levels
Normally, men and nonpregnant women have just small traces of prolactin in their blood. When you have high levels, this could be caused by:
- Prolactinoma (a benign tumor in your pituitary gland that produces too much prolactin)
- Diseases affecting the hypothalamus(the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland)
- Anorexia(an eating disorder)
- Drugs that are used to treat depression, psychosis, and high blood pressure
- Chest injury or irritation (for example, scars, shingles, or even a bra that’s too tight)
Also, kidney disease, liver failure, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (a hormone imbalance that affects ovaries) all can affect the body’s ability to remove prolactin.