Why prolactin levels increase

Some medical conditions may raise levels including:. A doctor will usually ask about medical history and any drugs a person is taking before they do a prolactin level test. If someone has a prolactinoma, medication can usually reduce the size of the tumor. The medication used to treat high levels can cause side effects, such as nausea and stomach issues. Doctors will only gradually increase the amount of medication they prescribe to a person for this reason. Surgery may be used to treat small tumors.

Tumors are usually smaller in females than in males and are often easier to remove. Hormone testing is not classed as an essential health benefit, so there is no legal requirement for an insurance plan to cover it. But every insurance plan is different, and many will cover a prolactin level test. The cost of the test varies widely, depending on the test provider. Raised levels of prolactin may indicate an underlying health condition.

Higher levels are normal in pregnant women and those who are breast-feeding. The test to measure prolactin levels is simple and can help doctors to prescribe the correct medication to reduce levels or provide treatment for an underlying condition that may be causing the raised levels.

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Prolactinoma and hyperprolactinemia are not life-threatening. The worst side effects of medications usually go away after treatment. Infertility caused by high prolactin levels can be reversed once prolactin levels return to normal.

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Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Purpose of the test Procedure Risks Normal results Abnormal results Fertility and infertility Treatment Takeaway Understanding prolactin and the prolactin test Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain.

Why is the prolactin test done? How is the test carried out? What are the risks? What are normal results? What do high levels mean? Prolactin and fertility. Treatment for high prolactin levels. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Medically reviewed by Karen Gill, M. You and Your Hormones. Students Teachers Patients Browse. Human body. Home Hormones Prolactin. Prolactin Prolactin is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland, named because of its role in lactation.

It also has other wide ranging functions in the body, from acting on the reproductive system to influencing behaviour and regulating the immune system. How is prolactin controlled? What happens if I have too much prolactin? What happens if I have too little prolactin? Last reviewed: Feb Prev.

If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Prolactin Levels. What is a prolactin levels test? Other names: PRL test, prolactin blood test. What is it used for? Why do I need a prolactin levels test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of a prolactinoma. Symptoms may include: Production of breast milk if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding Nipple discharge Headaches Changes in vision Other symptoms are different depending on whether you are a man or woman. Symptoms of excess prolactin in women who have not gone through menopause include: Irregular periods Periods that have stopped completely before the age of This is known as premature menopause.

Infertility Breast tenderness Women who have gone through menopause may not have symptoms until the condition worsens. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: Fatigue Weight gain Muscle pain Constipation Trouble tolerating cold temperatures Symptoms of excess prolactin in men include: Nipple discharge Breast enlargement Low sex drive Erectile dysfunction Decrease in body hair. What happens during a prolactin levels test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

Are there any risks to the test?