Prolactin Blood Test

Hormone Blood Test for Prolactin, Pituitary Function, Fertility and Menstrual Health

The Prolactin Blood Test measures the amount of prolactin in your blood. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain.

Prolactin is best known for its role in breast milk production after pregnancy, but abnormal prolactin levels may also be reviewed in relation to irregular periods, infertility, nipple discharge, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and pituitary-related concerns.

This service provides access to lab testing only. It is intended as a screening and wellness tool and does not diagnose, treat, or replace care from a licensed healthcare provider.

✔ Measures prolactin hormone level
✔ May support fertility, menstrual and pituitary evaluation
✔ Simple blood draw
✔ Doctor's order included
✔ No insurance required

⏱ Typical turnaround: results are usually emailed in 1–3 days.

What This Test Measures

Prolactin Hormone

This blood test measures prolactin, a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Prolactin is normally present in low amounts in men and non-pregnant women and increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Test name: Prolactin
• Sample type: Blood
• Purpose: Hormone and pituitary-related screening
• Fasting: Usually not required
• Timing: Often collected a few hours after waking, depending on provider or lab instructions

Why Order a Prolactin Test?

• Irregular or missed periods - High prolactin may affect ovulation and menstrual cycle patterns.
• Fertility evaluation - Prolactin may be checked during infertility or reproductive hormone workups.
• Unexpected nipple discharge - Prolactin is commonly checked when galactorrhea or unexplained milk-like discharge occurs.
• Low libido or erectile dysfunction - Prolactin may be reviewed in men with low testosterone symptoms or sexual function concerns.
• Pituitary monitoring - Prolactin may be used when a provider is evaluating or monitoring possible pituitary-related conditions.
• Provider-directed testing - Useful when a healthcare provider specifically requests prolactin testing.

Who May Consider This Test?

This test may be appropriate for:

• Women with irregular, absent, or infrequent menstrual periods
• Individuals being evaluated for infertility
• People with unexpected breast milk production or nipple discharge
• Men with low libido, erectile dysfunction, or low testosterone evaluation needs
• People with headaches or vision concerns being evaluated by a healthcare provider
• Patients monitoring a known prolactin-related condition with their provider
• Anyone whose healthcare provider requested a prolactin blood test

What Can Affect Prolactin Levels?

Prolactin levels can change for many reasons. A single result should be interpreted with your health history, symptoms, medications, and timing of collection.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding - Prolactin normally rises during pregnancy and lactation.
• Sleep and stress - Prolactin can temporarily increase after sleep, stress, or exercise.
• Medications - Some antidepressants, antipsychotics, estrogen therapy, and other medications may raise prolactin.
• Thyroid conditions - Hypothyroidism may be associated with elevated prolactin.
• Pituitary causes - A prolactin-producing pituitary growth may cause persistently elevated prolactin.

Best Time to Test Prolactin

Prolactin may fluctuate during the day and can rise during sleep. Some instructions recommend collecting the sample about 3 to 4 hours after waking.

Follow the instructions provided with your lab order or your healthcare provider's timing guidance.

Important Symptom Warning

If you have severe headache, sudden vision changes, fainting, severe weakness, pregnancy-related concerns, chest pain, shortness of breath, or any urgent medical concern, seek medical care promptly.

Do not use this prolactin test as a substitute for medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.

Important: Screening Only

LabReqs and SchoolTiters provide access to lab testing. We do not diagnose prolactinoma, pituitary tumors, infertility, thyroid disease, menstrual disorders, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, or any medical condition.

Prolactin results should be reviewed with a licensed healthcare provider, OB/GYN, endocrinologist, fertility specialist, or other qualified clinician.

Important Limitations

• This test does not diagnose a medical condition by itself.
• Prolactin may be temporarily elevated from stress, sleep, exercise, breast stimulation, pregnancy, or medications.
• Abnormal results may require repeat testing or additional lab work.
• Additional testing may include TSH, pregnancy testing, testosterone, FSH, LH, estradiol, kidney function testing, or pituitary imaging depending on your provider's evaluation.
• Do not stop medications unless your healthcare provider tells you to.

Before Ordering

• Confirm whether your provider wants prolactin tested at a specific time of day.
• Tell your healthcare provider about medications, supplements, pregnancy status, breastfeeding, and symptoms.
• Do not stop prescription medications before testing unless instructed by your provider.
• If you are unsure whether prolactin is the right test, ask your healthcare provider before ordering.

How It Works

1. Order online.
2. Receive your lab order. A doctor's order is included.
3. Visit a participating lab location.
4. Complete a simple blood draw.
5. Receive your results. Result timing may vary by lab, location, and processing requirements.

Why Choose This Test?

✅ Simple blood test for prolactin hormone level
✅ Useful for fertility, menstrual, nipple discharge, and pituitary-related screening
✅ Doctor's order included
✅ No insurance needed
✅ Convenient online ordering
✅ Results can be reviewed with your healthcare provider

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a prolactin blood test check?

A prolactin blood test checks the level of prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland.

Why would a woman need a prolactin test?

Prolactin may be checked for irregular or missed periods, infertility evaluation, unexpected breast milk production, or provider-directed hormone testing.

Why would a man need a prolactin test?

Prolactin may be checked in men with low libido, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone evaluation needs, infertility concerns, or provider-directed pituitary evaluation.

Do I need to fast?

Fasting is usually not required unless your healthcare provider gives you different instructions.

When should prolactin be tested?

Prolactin is often collected a few hours after waking because levels can change during sleep and throughout the day. Follow your provider's or lab order instructions.

Does a high prolactin result mean I have a tumor?

Not necessarily. Prolactin can be elevated for many reasons, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, sleep, medications, thyroid issues, and pituitary causes. Review abnormal results with a healthcare provider.

Is a doctor's order included?

Yes. A doctor's order is included with this lab test.

Order Your Prolactin Blood Test

Use this test when you need prolactin hormone testing for fertility, menstrual health, nipple discharge, low libido, erectile dysfunction, or provider-directed pituitary evaluation.

Order your Prolactin Blood Test today.