Book Prolactin Test — Purpose, Normal Range & Price

The Prolactin (PRL) test is a blood test that measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain. Prolactin plays a primary role in stimulating breast milk production in women after childbirth and is also involved in regulating the reproductive system in both men and women. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, prolactin levels rise naturally and significantly. Outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, prolactin levels are expected to remain within a defined normal range in both men and women. When prolactin levels are abnormally high, a condition known as hyperprolactinaemia, it can disrupt the normal functioning of the reproductive hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles, unexplained infertility, and sexual dysfunction in both sexes. Elevated prolactin is one of the most common hormonal abnormalities seen in women of reproductive age presenting with fertility concerns at Indian hospitals and clinics. The most common cause of significantly elevated prolactin is a benign pituitary tumour called a prolactinoma, which is the most frequently occurring pituitary tumour in adults. The test involves a simple blood draw of approximately 2 ml from a vein in the arm and is completed in under five minutes.

Doctors prescribe a Prolactin test in the following situations: Investigating irregular or absent menstrual periods in women of reproductive age, where elevated prolactin is a common but often overlooked hormonal cause. Evaluating unexplained infertility in both men and women. High prolactin suppresses the hormones responsible for ovulation in women and testosterone production in men, directly affecting fertility. Assessing galactorrhoea, which is spontaneous milk discharge from the breasts in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and occasionally in men. This is one of the most distinctive signs of elevated prolactin. Diagnosing a suspected prolactinoma when a patient presents with persistent headaches, visual disturbances, or hormonal symptoms. A prolactinoma is the most common functioning pituitary tumour and is frequently diagnosed through a combination of elevated prolactin and MRI imaging. Monitoring prolactin levels in patients already diagnosed with a prolactinoma and undergoing treatment with dopamine agonist medications such as cabergoline or bromocriptine. Evaluating erectile dysfunction and low libido in men, where elevated prolactin is an underdiagnosed but treatable hormonal cause. Investigating hypothyroidism, as an underactive thyroid gland can cause secondary elevation of prolactin levels.

The Prolactin test measures the concentration of prolactin hormone in the blood, reported in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) or milliunits per litre (mIU/L). Normal Prolactin Range in India Normal prolactin values vary by sex and physiological state. The standard reference ranges followed across most Indian diagnostic laboratories are as follows. For non-pregnant women, a normal prolactin level is between 2 and 29 ng/mL. For pregnant women, prolactin levels rise progressively throughout pregnancy and can reach 10 to 209 ng/mL in the third trimester, which is entirely normal. For men, a normal prolactin level is between 2 and 18 ng/mL. Interpreting Prolactin Results A mildly elevated prolactin between 25 and 100 ng/mL in non-pregnant women or above 18 ng/mL in men may be caused by stress, strenuous exercise before the blood draw, certain medications including antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anti-nausea drugs, or hypothyroidism. A moderately to significantly elevated prolactin above 100 ng/mL strongly suggests the presence of a prolactinoma and typically requires MRI imaging of the pituitary gland for further evaluation. A prolactin level above 250 ng/mL is almost exclusively associated with a macroprolactinoma, a larger pituitary tumour requiring urgent specialist management.

Preparation for a Prolactin test requires specific attention to timing and pre-test conditions as prolactin levels fluctuate significantly throughout the day and in response to certain stimuli. The blood sample should ideally be collected two to three hours after waking up in the morning. Prolactin levels are highest during sleep and immediately after waking and fall gradually over the first few hours after rising. Morning samples collected between 8 AM and 10 AM give the most clinically reliable results. Avoid strenuous physical exercise, breast stimulation, and sexual activity for at least 24 hours before the test as these activities can cause a temporary physiological rise in prolactin that may produce a misleading result. Avoid eating a high protein or high fat meal immediately before the test. Ideally, the test should be done in a fasting or light fasting state for the most accurate result, though this is not always mandatory. Inform the phlebotomist about all medications you are currently taking. Antipsychotic medications, certain antidepressants, metoclopramide, domperidone, and opioid pain relievers are known to raise prolactin levels and your doctor will factor this into the interpretation. Try to be in a relaxed state before sample collection. Emotional stress and physical discomfort including venepuncture itself can cause a transient spike in prolactin. If you are anxious, sit quietly for 20 to 30 minutes before the blood draw.

If you are booking through the SecondMedic platform the Prolactin test price starts at approximately Rs. 599. The exact price will be confirmed at the time of booking through SecondMedic. If your doctor has prescribed multiple tests alongside Prolactin, SecondMedic health packages include Prolactin as part of a broader hormonal or fertility panel at a significantly lower combined price.

SecondMedic provides home sample collection for Prolactin test across all major areas of India. You do not need to visit a lab or collection centre. A certified and trained phlebotomist comes to your home or workplace at your chosen time, collects the sample using sterile single-use equipment, and ensures it is transported to the NABL-accredited lab within the required time window for accurate processing. Please note that SecondMedic provides free home sample collection on all tests priced above Rs. 300. Our team will check your pincode and confirm if your address falls under our free sample collection eligibility criteria, which depends upon the lab location and phlebotomist availability. Home collection is available between 7 AM and 10 PM, seven days a week, including Sundays and public holidays. Enter your pincode on the booking page or call our helpline to confirm availability at your address.