Prolactin

The Prolactin test is a laboratory assay used to quantify the concentration of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a peptide hormone primarily produced by the anterior pituitary gland, although it can also be secreted by other tissues, such as the breast, uterus, and immune cells. Prolactin plays diverse roles in the body, including the regulation of lactation, reproduction, immune function, metabolism, and behavior. In women, prolactin stimulates milk production (lactation) following childbirth and contributes to the maintenance of the menstrual cycle and ovarian function. In men, prolactin may influence reproductive function and sexual behavior, although its role is less well understood. Abnormalities in prolactin levels can indicate various medical conditions, including hyperprolactinemia (elevated prolactin levels) or hypoprolactinemia (low prolactin levels). Hyperprolactinemia may result from physiological factors (e.g., pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress), pituitary disorders (e.g., prolactinoma, pituitary adenoma), hypothalamic dysfunction, medications (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants), or systemic diseases.