Prolactin Hormone Test
This test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland.
This test measures the level of prolactin in the blood.
- The pituitary gland is attached to the brain.
- The pituitary gland helps control the level of hormones produced by several other glands in the body.
Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. The primary role of prolactin is to stimulate the production of breast milk. Increased prolactin levels can also can be seen with:
- Anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)
- Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism or reduced thyroid hormone production)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diseases of the pituitary gland
- Diseases of the hypothalamus – the hypothalamus is a part of the brain that, through its influence on the pituitary gland, helps control the function of other glands in the body. It helps control sleep, temperature, hunger, thirst and mood.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that causes menstrual problems, infertility, fluid filled ovarian sacs (cysts) and other physical symptoms.
A low prolactin level can indicate a decrease in the functioning of the pituitary gland. It does not usually require treatment. However, your healthcare provider may recommend additional blood tests to make sure your other hormone levels are normal.
In an adult, the blood sample is taken by placing a needle in a vein in the arm.
- Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.
- Some medications can interfere with the test.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
Source UHC.com
Also known as:
Prolactin Hormone TestLaboratory WorkInfertilityAnterior PituitaryPituitaryProlactin TestBlood Test for ProlactinProlactin Blood Test
This test measures the level of prolactin in the blood.
- The pituitary gland is attached to the brain.
- The pituitary gland helps control the level of hormones produced by several other glands in the body.
Prolactin is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. The primary role of prolactin is to stimulate the production of breast milk. Increased prolactin levels can also can be seen with:
- Anorexia nervosa (eating disorder)
- Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism or reduced thyroid hormone production)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Diseases of the pituitary gland
- Diseases of the hypothalamus – the hypothalamus is a part of the brain that, through its influence on the pituitary gland, helps control the function of other glands in the body. It helps control sleep, temperature, hunger, thirst and mood.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – a condition that causes menstrual problems, infertility, fluid filled ovarian sacs (cysts) and other physical symptoms.
A low prolactin level can indicate a decrease in the functioning of the pituitary gland. It does not usually require treatment. However, your healthcare provider may recommend additional blood tests to make sure your other hormone levels are normal.
In an adult, the blood sample is taken by placing a needle in a vein in the arm.
- Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.
- Some medications can interfere with the test.
This care path's costs do not include the charge to draw blood from a vein (venipuncture). There will only be one charge to draw blood, even if multiple tests are being performed on the samples that are taken.
What should I ask my healthcare provider before having this test?
- Is there any special preparation for the test? (If so, get clear instructions on what you need to do.)
- What is the reason for the test? Will the test results change my treatment plan? If not, do I need the test?
Source UHC.com
ProcedureRates.com helps consumers determine the average cost of common medical procedures in their location. By gathering and analyzing data from leading insurance providers across the US, patients can compare the estimated price of common medical procedures to determine their approximate out-of-pocket expenses. All rates are approximations and not guarantees based on data that is available to the consumer. There are currently 638 procedures available in our database. These results and the information contained within should in no way take the place of actual medical advice.
Do not avoid getting health care based on the information on this site. Not affiliated with any insurance provider, hospital, or medical professional. Prices are just estimates based on available data, and may vary based on plan, state, and provider. For informational purposes only.