The document discusses the prolactin test, which measures levels of the prolactin hormone in the blood. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates lactation in females. A prolactin test may be ordered to diagnose or monitor treatment of a prolactinoma tumor or to investigate issues like irregular periods or fertility problems. The test involves drawing a blood sample, usually from the arm vein. Results are available within 1-2 days and can indicate abnormal prolactin levels.

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11. What It Is
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, the pea-sized gland near the base of the
brain that controls metabolism, growth, and sexual development. Although prolactin is produced
in small amounts in both males and non-pregnant females, its main role is to stimulate lactation
(milk production) in females during pregnancy and maintain milk supply during breastfeeding. A
prolactin test measures the amount of this hormone in the bloodstream.
In a woman who breastfeeds, the nursing baby's demand for milk actually controls the mother's
supply. When a baby sucks at the breast, the woman's pituitary gland releases more prolactin into
her blood, increasing her milk production. If a mother doesn't breastfeed, her prolactin levels will
return to normal shortly after giving birth.
Sometimes, though, prolactin levels are elevated even if a woman isn't pregnant or breastfeeding,
or in a male. The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a usually benign (not cancerous)
prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland.
Why It's Done
Doctors may order prolactin tests to help diagnose, or monitor treatment of, prolactinoma.
Symptoms of a prolactinoma include headaches, vision problems (if tumor growth is causing
pressure on an optic nerve), and galactorrhea (milk production outside pregnancy or
breastfeeding, or in a male).
The prolactin test also may be used as part of a work-up for irregular menstrual periods, fertility
problems, some types of thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction, anorexia, and polycystic ovarian
syndrome.
All these conditions can be associated with altered prolactin levels. A number of medications and
drugs can also stimulate the pituitary gland to release more prolactin into the blood.
Preparation
No special preparations are needed for this test. However, since prolactin levels vary throughout
the day and night — they're highest during sleep, just after waking up, following strenuous
exercise, and during periods of emotional stress — your doctor may request that the test be
performed at a certain time of day (often a few hours after waking up). You also should be sure
that the doctor knows about any medications or drugs your child may be taking, since some may
increase prolactin levels in the blood.
It may help to have your child wear a short-sleeve shirt on the day of the test to allow easier
access for the technician who will be drawing the blood.
The Procedure
A health professional will draw the blood from a vein after cleaning the skin surface with
antiseptic and placing an elastic band (tourniquet) around the upper arm to apply pressure and
cause the veins to swell with blood. A needle is inserted into a vein (usually in the arm inside of
the elbow or on the back of the hand) and blood is withdrawn and collected in a vial or syringe.

12. After the procedure, the elastic band is removed. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is
removed and the area is covered with cotton or a bandage to stop the bleeding. Collecting the
blood for the test will only take a few minutes.
Getting the Results
The blood sample will be processed by a machine. The results are commonly available in 1-2
days.
Risks
The prolactin test is considered a safe procedure. However, as with many medical tests, some
problems can occur with having blood drawn, including:
fainting or feeling lightheaded
hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise)
pain associated with multiple punctures to locate a vein
Helping Your Child
Having a blood test is relatively painless. Still, many children are afraid of needles. Explaining
the test in terms your child can understand might help ease some of the fear.
Allow your child to ask the technician any questions he or she might have. Tell your child to try
to relax and stay still during the procedure, as tensing muscles and moving can make it harder
and more painful to draw blood. It also may help if your child looks away when the needle is
being inserted into the skin.
If You Have Questions
If you have questions about the prolactin test, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the
technician before the procedure.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: March 2011