Friday, January 25, 2019

Prolactin : Level Test, Purpose, Procedure, and Results





Prolactin

Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. It is also called PRL or lactogenic hormone. Prolactin is mainly used to help in the production of milk after the birth of women.
It is important for both male and female reproductive health. The specific function of prolactin in men is not known. However, prolactin levels have been used to measure sexual gratification in both men and women. Prolactin levels can reveal other issues due to the test hormone.

Why is Prolactin test done?

Women

Women with prolactinoma symptoms may need testing. Prolactinoma is an illegal tumor on the pituitary gland that produces high levels of prolactin.
Symptoms of prolactinoma in women include:
•  Ambiguous headache
•  Visual impairment
•  Galactrrhea, or Breastfeeding outside of childbirth or nursing
•  Pain or discomfort during sex
•  Abnormal growth of body and face hair
•  Abnormal acne
Testing is usually done on people with prolactinoma to keep track of tumor response for treatment.
In addition, if there is a fertility or an irregular period, prolactin testing may be required. The test can also cancel other pituitary gland or hypothalamus problems.

Men

If they show signs of prolactinoma, men may need to be tested. Symptoms of prolactinoma in men include:
•  Ambiguous headache
•  Visual impairment
•  Reduced low sex drive or reproduction problems
•  Direct fault
•  Abnormal deficiency of body and facial hair
The test can also be used:
•  Check testicular dysfunction or direct defect
•  Solve problems with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus

How is the test done?

A prolactin test is similar to that of a blood test. It takes a few minutes in your doctor’s office or in the laboratory. You do not have to prepare for this. The sample is usually collected three to four hours after the morning. The blood is pulled from the vein in your arm. There is very little pain. When the needle goes in and there is a slight pain, you can feel only a little pinch. Read More


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