Prolactin is a hormone of the pituitary gland. Its is responsible for the development of the mammary glands after the 8th week of pregnancy to prepare the gland for production of milk. It is also responsible for ovulation and menopause. It does this by inhibiting the release of FSH and GnRH hormones. It also has negative effects on libido and sperm production in men.
Interpretation:Elevated prolactin hormone is expected during pregnancy. However, high prolactin suppresses FSH and GnRH hormones thus ovulation and indirectly, oestrogen production stops. As a result, women may experience menstrual irregularities, vaginal dryness, infertility and headache. In men, the level of testosterone hormone decreases for the same reason and libido,.erectile dysfunction, breast enlargement, decreased hair growth, infertility and headache may also be observed. An increase in prolactin hormone with any other reason than pregnancy is called hyperprolactinaemia. The presence of a benign tumour in the pituitary gland called prolactinoma (defined as microadenoma if its size is less than 1 cm, macroadenoma if it is larger), Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, kidney, and liver diseases. Although these tumours are usually treated with medication, the ones with untreatable dimensions can be removed surgically (if they compress the optic nerve). In addition, tight underwear, stress, insomnia, lung cancer, breast trauma, antidepressants and interaction with other hormonal problems are factors that may cause high prolactin. Rare low prolactin levels indicate that the pituitary gland is not functioning normally (hypopituarism). This may be due to immune system problems, some drugs such as dopamine and amphetamine and Growth Hormone deficiency.
Sample: Arm venous blood. Nonfasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: Same day at 6 PM
