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Prolactin Test

$79

Measure your prolactin level for insights into your reproductive health and more.

This blood prolactin test measures the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin plays a role in many bodily functions for both men and women, including milk production, breast development, sperm production and more. Testing prolactin levels can help you and your healthcare provider evaluate symptoms and conditions related to an elevated prolactin level.

Note: This test does not diagnose or determine the cause of infertility, menstrual irregularities or any health condition. People who are lactating or breastfeeding will have varied prolactin levels and should discuss this test with their healthcare provider. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your result.

Prolactin Test

$79

Test Details

Sample Type: Blood

Collection Method: In person at a Labcorp location

Age: 18+

Results: 1 day from when your sample arrives at our lab

HSA/FSA: Accepted

Test must be taken by purchaser

Preparation: It is recommended that your blood sample is collected between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. when prolactin levels are typically highest. If you are lactating or breastfeeding, you should first discuss this test with your healthcare provider.

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Want to better understand prolactin hormone level?

Balanced hormone levels are associated with a range of health benefits, including increased energy levels, improved mood, and better sleep.

LH plays an essential role in reproductive health by initiating ovulation and supporting the production of progesterone, which regulates the menstrual cycle.³ LH levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Additionally, LH stimulates the production of testosterone, which is important for overall hormonal balance.

This LH blood test measures the LH level in your blood. Abnormal levels may indicate potential hormonal imbalances that could be affecting your fertility.¹

Experiencing symptoms of a hormone imbalance?

Symptoms of a high prolactin level can include physical changes, sexual dysfunction, mood changes and metabolic issues. Testing your prolactin level can help you and your healthcare provider evaluate symptoms and conditions related to prolactin.

Abnormal hormone levels may be associated with irregular periods and fertility challenges. Hormone levels fluctuate and vary depending on sex, age and menstrual cycle phase at the time of testing. LH plays an essential role in fertility, cycle regulation and overall hormonal balance.

Symptoms associated with hormonal changes may be caused by other health conditions. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your results or symptoms.

Support your wellness journey

Whether you’re trying to balance your hormones or better understand your body’s needs, a prolactin test provides valuable insights into your health and wellness. By understanding your prolactin levels, you can work with your healthcare provider to optimize your wellness and achieve health goals.

1. Cleveland Clinic. Prolactin. Reviewed February 15, 2022. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22429-prolactin

Sources:

004465: Prolactin | Labcorp

Hyperprolactinaemia in male infertility: Clinical case scenarios - PMC (nih.gov)

What's Tested

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone released by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in both male and female reproductive systems. It is responsible for stimulating milk production, breast development and other bodily functions. This test measures the amount of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin levels typically rise during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Certain medicines can also increase prolactin levels. Elevated levels of prolactin can interfere with testosterone production, which may lead to a decrease in sperm production. High prolactin levels may also contribute to symptoms such as low libido, irregular menstruation, infertility, unexplained lactation and other health conditions.

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Purchase Your Test

Simply purchase this test online. A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit is required.

Provide Your Sample

Visit a Labcorp location near you for sample collection. Visits may be scheduled online.

Get Your Results

View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.

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FAQ

The prolactin level can provide important information related to reproductive health. An elevated prolactin level in women can indicate conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, which can lead to symptoms such as irregular or absent menstruation (amenorrhea), infertility or unexplained lactation outside of pregnancy or childbirth. In men, it can lead to symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, change in muscle mass and low energy. Testing your prolactin level can help you and your healthcare provider evaluate these symptoms.
Symptoms of high prolactin levels in women include¹:

Galactorrhea: This is the abnormal production of breast milk in non-lactating individuals
Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido or discomfort with sexual intercourse
Irregular menstrual cycles or infertility
Decreased energy

An elevated prolactin level in men may cause a decrease in sperm and testosterone production. Because a high prolactin level in men can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, symptoms in men may include:

Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido or erectile dysfunction
Change in muscle mass
Decreased energy

If you’re experiencing new, persistent symptoms or have concerns about your prolactin level, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider who can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.
Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order. If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.

If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.