A simple blood test that establishes if your levels of prolactin are higher or lower than normal.
Customize TestA Prolactin Blood Test measures the concentration of prolactin circulating in your bloodstream. Healthcare professionals use this test to assess hormonal balance, determine whether prolactin is elevated, and identify potential causes behind reproductive or sexual health symptoms.
Prolactin levels naturally fluctuate. Stress, sleep patterns, physical activity, and certain medications may influence your results. However, consistently raised prolactin often signals an underlying issue that requires further investigation or treatment.
This blood test provides clear, measurable information that helps you understand how your hormone levels may be affecting your health.
In women, prolactin plays a direct role in breast development, menstrual regularity, and fertility. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, prolactin rises significantly as part of the body’s natural preparation for milk production. Outside of these phases, high prolactin—known as hyperprolactinemia—can indicate hormonal dysfunction.
Women with elevated prolactin may experience irregular or absent menstrual periods. Hormonal imbalance may also prevent ovulation, making conception more difficult. Some women also report breast tenderness, unexpected breast discharge, headaches, and mood disturbances. These symptoms can persist for months or years if left unaddressed.
A Prolactin Blood Test provides clarity for women experiencing unexplained changes in their cycle, persistent fertility challenges, or symptoms that suggest a hormone imbalance.
Although prolactin is widely discussed in relation to women’s health, it also has a meaningful impact on men’s hormonal function. Balanced prolactin supports healthy testosterone production and sexual well-being. When prolactin rises too high, testosterone levels may drop. This creates a cascade of symptoms that affect energy, strength, mood, and reproductive health.
Men with elevated prolactin often experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, muscle loss, and difficulty conceiving. These symptoms can significantly affect well-being and quality of life. The Prolactin Blood Test helps men identify whether hormonal imbalance is contributing to these changes and whether further evaluation is necessary.
Anyone experiencing signs of hormonal disruption may benefit from this test. It is especially useful for individuals with the following symptoms:
Women:
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Difficulty conceiving
Unexplained breast discharge
Persistent headaches or vision changes
Mood swings or unexplained weight changes
Men:
Low sex drive
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced muscle strength or energy
Fertility concerns
Unexplained mood changes
Both men and women may also consider this test if they take medications known to affect prolactin, such as certain antidepressants, blood pressure medications, or treatments that influence dopamine levels.
The Prolactin Blood Test measures the amount of prolactin in your blood at a specific point in time. Although one measurement can provide significant insight, healthcare providers sometimes recommend repeat testing for accuracy, particularly if levels are unusually high.
By understanding your results, you gain a clearer picture of your hormonal environment and whether further assessment is required.
Monitoring prolactin levels supports early detection of potential endocrine issues. High prolactin may indicate conditions such as pituitary gland disorders, thyroid imbalance, or the effects of certain medications. Early identification allows healthcare professionals to recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes before symptoms worsen.
Regular Prolactin Blood Test also benefits individuals undergoing fertility treatment, hormone therapy, or long-term medication management. Tracking prolactin ensures that interventions remain effective and that hormone levels stay within a healthy range.
Read more on Webmd about prolactin
Taking a Prolactin Blood Test is simple and convenient. A small blood sample is collected and analysed in a laboratory. The result shows whether your prolactin is within the expected reference range or elevated. No complex preparation is necessary, although some providers recommend avoiding intense stress or heavy exercise beforehand.
Once your sample has been analysed, you receive a detailed report showing your prolactin level and the reference range used for interpretation. This information forms the starting point for any recommended next steps.
If your prolactin level is within the normal range, it provides reassurance that hormonal balance is not the cause of your symptoms. If levels are raised, speaking with a healthcare professional is essential. They may explore additional factors, including thyroid function, medication effects, pituitary activity, or underlying reproductive concerns.
Depending on the findings, your clinician may recommend lifestyle adjustments, medication changes, or further diagnostic tests. In many cases, managing stress, adjusting medication, or addressing other hormonal imbalances can help restore prolactin to a stable level.
The overall goal is to provide the information and support needed to improve hormonal balance, reproductive function, and emotional well-being.
Offers a detailed evaluation of prolactin levels
Helps identify causes of reproductive or sexual health symptoms
Supports early detection of pituitary or endocrine disorders
Provides valuable information for individuals planning pregnancy
Assists men concerned about testosterone-related symptoms
Enables informed decision-making regarding treatment and lifestyle changes
This test empowers individuals to take active control of their health and address concerns with confidence.
If you are examining your reproductive or endocrine health, you may benefit from additional hormone tests. Evaluating thyroid function, cortisol, testosterone, or female reproductive hormones can offer a broader understanding of overall hormonal balance.
Complementary tests can be particularly valuable for individuals experiencing long-term symptoms, undergoing fertility treatment, or managing chronic endocrine conditions.
Check more related Female Hormone Blood Test
What does a Prolactin Blood Test diagnose?
It helps identify whether prolactin levels are elevated and whether hormonal imbalance may be affecting reproductive function, libido, or fertility.
Do I need to fast before taking this test?
Fasting is not always required, but some providers recommend morning testing for consistency.
Can stress affect my result?
Yes. Stress can temporarily raise prolactin levels, so staying calm before the test is helpful.
What are normal prolactin levels?
Reference ranges vary by laboratory. Your results will show the range alongside your value.
Can medications raise prolactin?
Certain medications can increase prolactin. Your healthcare provider can evaluate whether this applies to you.
Is high prolactin treatable?
In many cases, yes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or further assessment.
Can both men and women take this test?
Yes. The Prolactin Blood Test supports reproductive and hormonal evaluation for all adults.
For the most accurate results, schedule your prolactin blood test between 7 AM and 10 AM, as prolactin levels are naturally higher in the morning. While fasting is not always required, it’s best to confirm with your healthcare provider beforehand. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water before the test helps ensure a smooth blood draw. To prevent potential interference with your results, avoid strenuous activities, including high-intensity exercise and stress, for at least 24 hours before the test. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, and birth control pills, can affect prolactin levels. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking to ensure accurate interpretation of your results.
After your blood sample is analyzed, the lab report will indicate whether your prolactin levels fall within the normal range. Since prolactin levels can vary depending on the time of day, age, and gender, your healthcare provider will be able to interpret the results in the context of your overall health. Normal prolactin levels typically do not require further action. If prolactin levels are elevated, additional tests may be necessary to investigate potential causes such as pituitary gland disorders, thyroid issues, or medication side effects. Low prolactin levels may indicate underlying problems with the pituitary or hypothalamus glands, requiring further evaluation.
After receiving your prolactin test results, consulting your healthcare provider is crucial to determine if further testing or treatment is needed. If abnormalities are detected, follow-up tests may be required to assess underlying conditions affecting your hormonal balance. Regular monitoring of prolactin levels may be recommended to ensure optimal hormonal health. The prolactin blood test is an essential tool for identifying hormonal imbalances, reproductive health concerns, and potential pituitary gland disorders. Understanding your results and following medical advice can help you take proactive steps toward maintaining overall well-being.
Prolactin is a hormone which is produced in the pituitary gland and plays a role in reproductive health. Its primary purpose is to stimulate milk production after childbirth, and in pregnant and breastfeeding women prolactin levels can soar.
Raised levels in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding can signal fertility problems as well as irregular periods.
Raised levels in men can cause reduced sex drive, lack of energy, erectile disfunction and fertility problems.