A prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin In the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland close to the cause of the brain. Prolactin forces the breasts to grow and milk during pregnancy and in the family. Prolactin. levels is usually high in pregnant women and young mothers. Value is usually lower in non-pregnant women and men.
If prolactin levels If the value is higher than the generally accepted value, this often indicates the presence of a pituitary tumor, known as a prolactinoma. This tumor ensures that the gland produces large amounts of milk. prolactin . Excess prolactin It can cause milk production in men and women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. It can do much for women prolactin It can also cause menstrual problems and infertility (cannot become pregnant). In men, it can lead to decreased sexual passion and erectile dysfunction (ED). Ed, also called impotence, is the inability to get or hold an erection.
Prolactinomas are usually benign (not carcinogenic). However, if healing is not forthcoming, these tumors can destroy surrounding tissue.
Other name: PRL Test, prolactin blood test
What is it used for?
A prolactin levels The test is typically used to
- Diagnosis of prolactinomas (a type of pituitary tumor)
- Help find the cause of irregular menstruation or infertility in women.
- Help find the cause of low sexual passion or erectile dysfunction in men.
Why do I need a prolactin levels test?
If there are signs of prolactinoma, this test may be necessary. Drawings are as follows
- Breast milk production, in case you are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- nipple separation
- Headaches
- Vision changes
Other symptoms depend on whether you are a man or a woman. If you are a woman the symptoms also depend on whether you are in menopause. Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when she stops menstruating and no longer has the opportunity to become heavy. It generally occurs when a woman is over the age of 50.
Symptoms of excess prolactin For women who have not yet reached menopause, these include
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Menstruation that has completely stopped before the age of 40. This is called early menopause.
- Infertility
- Breast pain
In women who have completed menopause, there are no signs until the situation worsens. Abundance prolactin Postmenopause often causes hypothyroidism. In this condition, the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Signs of hypothyroidism include
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Muscle strain
- Constipation
- Effort to tolerate low temperatures.
Symptoms of excess prolactin in men include:
- nipple separation
- Breast augmentation
- Low sex
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased body hair
What happens during a prolactin levels test?
The physician takes blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a test tube or vial. You will feel some pressure as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
Need to prepare for the test?
The test should occur 3-4 hours after awakening. Prolactin. levels It varies during the day, but is generally considered highest in the early afternoon.
Tell your own doctor what medications you use. Certain medications can do that. prolactin levels These include birth control pills, high blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
There are considerable risks associated with blood tests. There may be slight pain or bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
If the results are higher than normal. prolactin levels This could mean that you have one of the appropriate criteria
- Prolactinoma.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Hypothalamus disease. The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland and other bodily functions.
- Liver disease.
If your total is high. prolactin levels Can you create an MRI test (magnetic resonance imaging) to get a closer look at the pituitary gland?
High prolactin levels The pituitary gland can be treated with drugs or surgery. If you have questions about your results, talk to your own health care provider.
Made available by MedlinePlus at the State Medical Library.
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