Prolactin Blood Tests

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in lactation and reproductive function. 

There are several reasons why a woman or man may be tested for prolactin. Some of the most common reasons include:

Women:

  • To diagnose and monitor conditions related to menstrual irregularities, such as amenorrhea (absence of periods) or oligomenorrhea (infrequent periods)
  • To evaluate infertility or recurrent miscarriage
  • To diagnose and monitor conditions related to lactation problems, such as insufficient milk production or galactorrhea (abnormal breast milk production)
  • To diagnose and monitor pituitary tumors, which can cause excessive prolactin production (prolactinoma)

Men:

  • To diagnose and monitor conditions related to low testosterone levels, such as hypogonadism (underactive testes)
  • To diagnose and monitor pituitary tumors, which can cause excessive prolactin production (prolactinoma)

While the prolactin test is primarily used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to prolactin production, the reasons for testing may vary depending on the age and sex of the patient. Some differences include:

Women:

  • Women are more likely to be tested for prolactin to diagnose and monitor conditions related to menstrual irregularities and lactation problems.
  • Women may also be tested for prolactin to evaluate infertility or recurrent miscarriage.

Men:

  • Men are more likely to be tested for prolactin to diagnose and monitor conditions related to low testosterone levels.
  • Men may also be tested for prolactin to diagnose and monitor pituitary tumors.

Children:

  • Children may be tested for prolactin to diagnose and monitor conditions related to early puberty or delayed puberty.
  • Children may also be tested for prolactin to diagnose and monitor pituitary tumors.
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