Prolactin

This blood test is used to diagnose prolactinoma, a type of cancer in the pituitary gland that causes an excessive amount of prolactin to be released.

Prolactin is a hormone that is made in the pituitary gland located in the brain. This hormone is only present in very low levels in women who are not pregnant and men. Its main function is to promote breast milk production in pregnant women. This hormone is high during pregnancy and for the duration of breastfeeding. This blood test measures the levels of prolactin in the blood. If the levels are high in men and non-pregnant women, then it is an indication of a prolactinoma. A prolactinoma is a type of cancer in the pituitary gland that causes an excessive amount of prolactin to be released.

This blood test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Milky discharge from the breasts
• vaginal dryness
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased body and facial hair
• Gynecomastia
• Low bone density
• Loss of interest in sexual activity
• Headaches
• Visual disturbances
• Infertility