What are the benefits of Prolactin (PRL) Blood test?
Prolactin refers to a specialized hormone produced by the uterus, central nervous system, mammary glands and immune system, but mainly by the pituitary gland during pregnancy or lactation. It is important because it helps in milk production and makes lactation possible in women after the birth of a child.
It can affect the way female ovaries function normally and may even lead to menstrual issues or infertility in women. It has been found to affect men with erectile dysfunction (ED)or low sex drive, collectively called impotence. Hence,
Prolactin levels are tested in the human body to ascertain any abnormality caused by its -
Lower levels like:
- Checking pituitary tumors or finding the reason for milk production in females without childbirth,
- ED in men,
- Infertility in women,
- Absent of menstrual cycles or irregular periods called amenorrhea
- Variation in the menstruation cycle
- Nipple discharge in men and women
- Bigger-sized male breasts (gynecomastia)
- Reduced body or facial hair in men
And higher levels, like:
- Headache in a person
- Vision changes due to the pressing of the optic nerve by the tumor
- Cortisol or thyroid hormones
Therefore, to diagnose any of the above problems in men and women, it is vital and important to carry out a Prolactin (PRL) Blood test in individuals with the above symptoms.
After the Prolactin (PRL) Blood test is conducted the results are matched with the normal values of prolactin levels in the human body, as shown below:
- For men: lower than 20 ng/ml (425 µg/L)
- Non-pregnant female: lower than 25 ng/ml (25 µg/L)
- Pregnant female: 80 - 400 ng/ml (80 - 400 µg/L)
Moreover, any abnormal result obtained from the Prolactin (PRL) Blood test would mean the following:
- Nipple rings presence
- Injury or irritation of the chest wall
- Disease within the hypothalamus region of the brain
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Prolactin forming pituitary tumor or prolactinoma or other disease
- Poor clearance concerning prolactin molecules or macroprolactin.
Therefore, higher or lower levels of prolactin are dangerous to men and women both. Hence, it is important for one to get the Prolactin (PRL) Blood test done for diagnosis of any of the above diseases and get the right treatment to cure them for happy & tension-free motherhood or manhood.
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