When to test prolactin hormone?

Prolactin is one of the most important endocrine hormones in reproductive problems of both sexes. Indications for blood prolactin test for infertility in both men and women, menstrual disorders or infertile cases who want to do IVF.

Indications for prolactin testing in each sex are different depending on the purpose and situation of each person. The general purpose of the prolactin blood test is to:
Identify cases where the tumor produces excess prolactin, monitor and evaluate the progress as well as the tumor's response to treatment methods. Exclude pituitary or hypothalamic disease by combining prolactin test with testing for some other hormones such as growth hormone GH... Monitor the patient's condition being treated with some drugs that can affect the production of dopamine (the hormone that inhibits the production of prolactin). Check for genital disorders in both men and women. Female: menstrual disorders, infertility, lactation disorders... Men: Erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, azoospermia... In the case of IVF, prolactin test Prolactin is one of the important indications because Prolactin is directly related to ovulation by inhibiting the production of FSH (the hormone that stimulates the ripening of follicles) and LH (the hormone that stimulates ovulation). On the other hand, prolactin is also one of the causes of infertility in men. Can IVF be done, how successful the outcome is determined 90% by the egg and sperm. At this time, the concentration of prolactin in the blood is a factor that plays an important role in the fertilization process.

1.1. Prolactin test in women Indicates the prolactin test in women when the following clinical manifestations are present:
Frequent headaches of unknown cause. Manifestations of visual impairment, poor vision, blurred vision. Sudden signs of lactation unrelated to childbirth or breastfeeding. Menstrual disorders are prolonged, short or long menstrual cycles, irregular periods. Menstruation is normal and stable, not yet perimenopause but suddenly missed periods for no reason, not pregnant. Infertility cases are also ordered to have a prolactin test to determine the cause of infertility. The patient has hypothyroidism. 1.2. Prolactin test in men Frequent headaches of unknown cause. There is visual impairment. Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation. In the case of dilute semen, azoospermia, and infertility, a prolactin test is also indicated to rule out the cause. Reduced sex drive. There is lactation in men. The mammary gland is abnormal in size and shape.

Specimen:
Specimen is serum, plasma with anticoagulant with heparin, EDTA. Patients need to fast for 12 hours before taking blood for testing, not using stimulants or alcohol-containing substances within 24 hours before the test. Prolactin levels usually increase during sleep and peak blood levels are reached in the morning. Therefore, to be most accurate, blood should be drawn for prolactin testing in the morning, preferably 3 to 4 hours after waking up. Store specimens well to avoid oxidizing and changing active ingredients by environmental factors. + If stored for 14 days, it should be stored at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees C.
+ If stored for 6 months, it is required to store at -20 degrees C or lower.
After patient samples are available, blood prolactin can be tested by two methods: either electrochemiluminescent immunoassay or chemiluminescent immunoassay.
Because prolactin levels in the blood can change from time to time, in each period, moreover, a change in prolactin concentration can be a physiological change that can also be a pathological abnormality. accurate, the test should not be done only once.
Carefully ask the patient about the medical history, clinical signs as well as the current status of drug use or daily living habits to have a definitive diagnosis, the most accurate diagnosis, no diagnosis. There is no rush to rely on a single prolactin test result.
Prolactin test is one of the most frequent indications to identify disorders in male and female reproductive function. If you detect abnormal symptoms such as headaches, menstrual disorders, erectile dysfunction, abnormal lactation... fertility leading to infertility.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.