Are you suffering from infertility? Then, you must check the prolactin hormone levels in your body by performing a prolactin test.
You must be wondering what prolactin hormone is and why am I suggesting a prolactin test.
Don't worry I will discuss the following points in detail that will help you understand about prl test.
Prolactin Test – Overview
Why Should You Undergo a Prolactin Test?
How to interpret the Prolactin test results?
What are normal vs. high or low prolactin levels?
All you need to know about the Prolactin test price
How Bloodtestforhome can help?
But before discussing the above points let me give you a brief about prolactin hormone and its functions in our bodies.
What is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone produced by lactotroph cells present in anterior pituitary glands.
Prolactin levels are low in males and non-lactating and non-pregnant girls. But the level of prolactin hormone increases during pregnancy and childbirth.
Prolactin contributes to numerous functions in our body. Some of them are
It helps in the development of mammary glands in breasts during pregnancy.
It stimulates milk production after the delivery of a baby.
It helps to maintain the lactation process.
It helps in the metabolism of vitamin D deficiency, calcium, and carbohydrate.
To some extent, it helps in the secretion of the testosterone hormone in men.
As we can see that prolactin hormone helps us in many ways so we must check that we have the right amount of prolactin hormone in our body.
Prolactin Test - Overview
The prolactin test is a simple lab test that is used by medical professionals to check the levels of prolactin hormone in our bodies.
This test is used by healthcare professionals to detect if you have high, low, or normal levels of prolactin hormone.
There are certain symptoms in men and women that recommend a prl test.
Symptoms in females with low prolactin level includes
Irregular menstrual cycle or no menstruation
Painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness
Milk discharge from the breast without pregnancy (galactorrhea)
Acne
Excessive facial or body hair growth
Symptoms in males due to low prolactin hormone are
Low sex drive
Erectile dysfunction
Decreased body and facial hair
In rare cases, enlarged breasts
Common symptoms that can be seen in both men and women include
Unclear vision
Why Should You Undergo a Prolactin Test?
You must undergo a prl test if you see the above symptoms because those symptoms may indicate the following problems
Anorexia
Any other pituitary gland tumors
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
seizures
infection by herpes zoster
stress caused by any illness
trauma to the chest wall
certain medications like antidepressants, hypertension drugs, acid reflux drugs, drugs with estrogen, and birth control pills
By using the prolactin test we can know the underlying reason for high or low prolactin levels.
By knowing the correct reason, the doctors can diagnose and recommend the correct treatment.
How to interpret the Prolactin test results?
Before interpreting the prolactin test results, we must know the normal values of prolactin.
Males: less than 20 ng/mL (425 µg/L)
Nonpregnant females: less than 25 ng/mL (25 µg/L)
Pregnant females: 80 to 400 ng/mL (80 to 400 µg/L)
If you get prl test results deviating from the above values, then you may have high or low levels of prolactin in your body.
If you have high levels of prolactin, then it may indicate you have hyperprolactinemia. This medical condition can be caused by anorexia nervosa, liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.
Due to hypothyroidism, the pituitary gland enlarges that may require thyroid hormone replacement therapy. High levels of prolactin may cause pituitary tumors
Due to these tumors pressure is being built on the pituitary gland and hormone production is stopped. This condition is known as hypopituitarism. Hypopituitarism causes lower sex drive and infertility in both males and females.
Even low prolactin levels indicate your pituitary gland isn’t working well.
What are normal vs high or low prolactin levels?
Normal levels of prolactin in males and females are as follows:
Males: less than 20 ng/mL (425 µg/L)
Nonpregnant females: less than 25 ng/mL (25 µg/L)
Pregnant females: 80 to 400 ng/mL (80 to 400 µg/L)
Values below the normal range mean low prolactin levels and above the normal range mean high prolactin levels.
All you need to know about the Prolactin test price
Before you perform a prolactin test in any lab you must be aware of the prolactin test price. The prolactin test cost depends on the location and the lab you want to conduct your prl test. The prolactin test cost in India ranges between INR 400 to INR 850.
Ah! It looks like you are very confused after knowing the prolactin test price. Well, I have a solution to your problem. I know a lab that is available in every city in India and provides quality healthcare facilities at an affordable price. The name of the lab is Bloodtestforhome.
You don't have to believe my words you can research this lab on your own by clicking here.
Bloodtestforhome is the only leading diagnostic center that is CAP-accredited, NABL-certified, and also ISO certified.
Bloodtestforhome provides 24/7 online and phone booking facilities, thus giving us the freedom to avail of any test services at anytime and anywhere. You can clear your queries on their Facebook page and also by calling them by using their phone booking facilities.
By now I hope you have understood the importance of prolactin hormones in our bodies and their devastating effects on our bodies. I have also mentioned the best healthcare lab in our country. So, without further delay book your prolactin test services today and get the best treatment as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions by Customer.
What is the best time for the prolactin test?
A prolactin test is not necessary anything you can give a sample at any time.
Is fasting required for the prolactin test?
Fasting Not Necessary In Prolactin Test.
Is the prolactin test done during periods?
You undergo a prolactin test during periods because prolactin levels vary throughout the day.
Comments
Post a Comment