Test library
Prolactin Hormone Test
This blood test measures prolactin, a pituitary hormone involved in breast development and milk production. Results are interpreted with the person's symptoms and other hormone tests.
Order Prolactin Levels Blood Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Prolactin Levels Blood Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $118
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Prolactin Levels Blood Test measures the amount of prolactin in a blood sample. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland and is involved in breast development and milk production. Levels can rise for many reasons, including normal physiological changes, medications, and pituitary conditions. The test is used to gather information when a healthcare provider is evaluating symptoms that may be related to prolactin, and it is interpreted alongside the clinical picture.
What this test measures
Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland and plays a central role in lactation. Its release is regulated by other signals from the brain, and levels fluctuate during the day and in response to factors such as sleep, stress, exercise, and meals. Because of this natural variability, an isolated value is interpreted carefully and may be repeated when it is above the reference range.
The test is performed on a serum sample, and results are reported as a quantitative concentration using the laboratory's units. When a high result needs clarification, the laboratory may perform additional analysis to check for macroprolactin, a larger form of the hormone that is usually not biologically active. Related tests such as thyroid function or other pituitary hormones may be ordered together.
People may order this test when a healthcare provider is evaluating irregular or absent periods, unexpected milk production, fertility concerns, or symptoms that could relate to pituitary function. It can also be used to follow a known prolactin abnormality over time. A qualified healthcare provider should interpret the result with the person's history, medications, and other laboratory findings.
- Prolactin, serum
- Quantitative result reported in the laboratory's designated units
- Macroprolactin evaluation when reflex testing is performed
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone when included in a broader panel
- Estradiol when included in a broader panel
- Testosterone when included in a broader panel
- Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone when included in a broader panel
Why people order this test
- Evaluate symptoms that may be related to prolactin activity
- Support assessment of pituitary hormone function
- Investigate irregular or absent menstrual cycles when ordered by a provider
- Follow up on a previous abnormal prolactin result
- Add detail to a broader hormone or fertility evaluation
- Check prolactin when other hormone tests are being reviewed together
How to prepare
No fasting is usually required, but your provider may request a morning collection because prolactin levels vary during the day. A blood sample is drawn at the lab. Tell the laboratory about medications and supplements you take, since some can affect prolactin.
Understanding your results
Results are typically available within one to three business days. A value above the reference range may be repeated or investigated further because prolactin can rise for many reasons. A qualified healthcare provider should interpret the result with your medications, symptoms, and other tests.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does prolactin do?
Prolactin supports breast development and milk production. It is produced by the pituitary gland and is involved in several reproductive functions.
Why might my prolactin level be high?
Levels can rise with stress, sleep, exercise, meals, medications, thyroid problems, and pituitary conditions. A single elevated result is often reviewed with repeat testing and other information.
Does the time of day affect prolactin testing?
Yes. Prolactin naturally fluctuates during the day, so providers sometimes request collection at a specific time, often in the morning.
What is macroprolactin?
Macroprolactin is a larger form of prolactin that can be detected by some assays but is usually not biologically active. Laboratories may check for it when a result is unexpectedly high.
How is the sample collected?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein during a short lab visit.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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