Prolactin
prolactin test · prolactin level · PRL test
This is a blood test from a vein. It shows your level of prolactin, a hormone that affects the menstrual cycle and the breasts.
For irregular periods, infertility, discharge from the breasts, headaches, and in men, low sex drive.
⏱ Duration: the blood draw takes a few minutes; results usually come in 1 to 3 days
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Time. Usually in the morning, 2 to 3 hours after waking up. Your doctor will tell you the cycle day.
- The day before. No sex, no sauna, no hard workouts, and no alcohol. Do not touch or massage your breasts.
- Food. Usually fasting: no food for 8 to 12 hours. Plain water is fine. Check with the lab.
- Medicines. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor what you take. They will decide if anything should change.
What to bring
- Your test request form
- Your ID
How it goes
- Before the draw, sit quietly for 15 to 30 minutes
- You sit down and rest your arm on the armrest
- A band is tightened above your elbow
- The skin is wiped with antiseptic
- A quick prick, and blood fills a tube
- The needle comes out, and a cotton pad is pressed on the spot
What you'll feel
- A quick prick, like a pinch
- Sometimes slight dizziness. Tell the nurse
Afterwards
- Press the cotton pad for 3 to 5 minutes and keep your arm straight
- You can eat right away and go back to your usual day
- Results usually come in 1 to 3 days. The lab will tell you when
- If prolactin is high, the doctor often asks you to repeat the test. Stress can easily raise it
Common questions
Why can prolactin be high without illness?
Stress, sleep, sex, exercise, and medicines can raise it. That is why following the prep matters.
Which cycle day is best for prolactin?
Usually early in the cycle, but your doctor will tell you the exact day.