Did you ask for a Prolactin Test? Let's talk about this simply (Prolactin Test)

Has your doctor told you to get a Prolactin test ? Or are you looking it up online because of some of your symptoms? Whatever the reason, it's normal to feel a little scared when you hear this name. But don't worry. This is a very simple blood test that is often done. Today, we'll talk in simple terms about what Prolactin is, why this test is done, and what the results mean.

Simply put, what is Prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone produced in our bodies. To be precise, it is mainly produced by the pituitary gland, a small gland located under our brain. This hormone is present in the bodies of all of us, both men and women.

But the main function of this is seen in pregnant and lactating mothers. Prolactin is the main hormone that helps in the production of milk (Lactation) from their breasts . After having a baby, the level of this prolactin increases every time the baby sucks breast milk , helping to provide a continuous supply of milk for the baby.

But this hormone doesn't just make milk. It also helps with many other functions in our body, such as the formation of blood vessels. Men also have this hormone in small amounts in their bodies.

What are the common situations when prolactin levels can increase?

Our prolactin levels don't stay the same throughout the day. It fluctuates a little here and there. It can also temporarily increase due to some normal things. For example:

• When you have a good meal
• After exercising
• After having sex
• Nipple stimulation
• Severe physical or mental stress
• Minor accidents or injuries
• When epileptic patients have a seizure

If you do the test at this time, your values ​​may be slightly elevated. That's why the doctor may tell you to come in the morning, fasting, and give blood.

What are the normal values ​​of prolactin?

Prolactin levels are usually measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Although these values ​​can vary slightly between labs, the generally accepted normal range is as follows:

Elevated Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia) and Its Symptoms

Just because your Prolactin levels are outside the normal range doesn't mean you have a serious problem. As we discussed earlier, it can sometimes be caused by things like diet and stress. But if the levels are consistently high, it's called Hyperprolactinemia . This condition can cause a variety of symptoms.

Symptoms of elevated prolactin

What is Prolactinoma?

Sometimes, if your prolactin levels are very high, about 1000 times higher than normal, it can be a sign of a condition called prolactinoma . Don't be alarmed by the name. A prolactinoma is a benign tumor that develops in the pituitary gland. This tumor produces an abnormal amount of the hormone prolactin. These can usually be treated with medication. In such cases, your doctor may order an MRI scan of your brain. This can help determine if there is a tumor in the pituitary gland and how large it is.

What are other causes of high prolactin levels?

Prolactin levels can increase for a number of reasons besides prolactinoma.

• Diseases that affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that controls the pituitary gland.
• Eating disorders such as anorexia .
• Certain medications: Some medications for depression, psychotic conditions, high blood pressure, nausea, some painkillers, and birth control pills can also increase prolactin levels.
• Injuries or infections to the chest area: This can happen due to chest surgery scars, infections such as herpes (shingles), and sometimes even from wearing a tight bra.
• Other medical conditions: Conditions such as kidney disease, hypothyroidism , and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) can also reduce the body's ability to remove prolactin, leading to elevated blood levels.

Let's also learn about low prolactin levels.

Low prolactin levels can be associated with a condition called hypopituitarism , which means the pituitary gland is not producing enough hormones. However, in most cases, low prolactin levels do not require any specific medical treatment.

The main and only symptom of this is difficulty breastfeeding after having a baby. In addition, medications, such as some medications for Parkinson's disease, can also cause low prolactin levels.

What are the treatments?

Your treatment will depend on the cause of your high prolactin levels.

• If the cause is a small prolactinoma or if no clear cause can be found, the doctor may decide not to treat at all.
• If there is a prolactinoma, medications are given to reduce its size and control prolactin levels.
• If your prolactin levels are elevated due to a medication you are taking, your doctor will consider changing or stopping that medication.

In addition, there are some things you can do, but only after talking to your doctor and following his advice.

• Think about ways to reduce stress (e.g., meditation).
• Avoid wearing clothes that are tight around the chest area.
• Some studies have shown that vitamin B6 and vitamin E can reduce prolactin levels. But never take these without medical advice.