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Prolactin Blood Test
Prolactin Blood Test
Prolactin Blood Test
Prolactin Blood Test

Prolactin Blood Test

A simple finger-prick blood test for men and women to check whether their levels of prolactin are normal.

Is it for you?

Are you experiencing symptoms like a milky discharge from the nipple which you think might be caused be high prolactin? Or are you taking steroids which could be affecting your prolactin levels? Do have a condition like a thyroid disorder or polycystic ovaries which you think could be a factor in high prolactin? If so, this simple at-home finger-prick test can give you the answers you need.
Blood sample 1 biomarker included 2 working days turnaround
from sample receipt at lab

£52.00

Terms and Conditions apply

All tests bought are intended solely for the person purchasing and for over 18s only. Why?

What's included?

Biomarker profile

  • Hormones

Hormones (1 Biomarker)

Special instructions

Please take your sample in the morning. Do not take biotin supplements for 2 days prior to this test. If you are taking prescribed biotin you should discuss this with your doctor.
Prolactin (PRL) is a hormone produced by a small organ at the base of the brain called the anterior pituitary gland. It is best known for producing breast milk in women. Prolactin is normally found in very low levels in both men and women. It will rise significantly during pregnancy and breast feeding and will return to normal very quickly after breast feeding stops.

As well as producing breast milk, prolactin has other wide ranging functions in the body, from influencing the reproductive system to regulating the immune system. Sometimes both men and non-pregnant or breast feeding women can have raised prolactin and this can cause a milky discharge from the nipple in both sexes (though rarely in men). Commonly this is caused by a prolactinoma, a normally benign (not cancerous) tumour of the pituitary gland which can cause symptoms of headaches and visual impairment. 

Other causes of raised prolactin can include polycystic ovaries, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and anorexia. Certain drugs and anabolic steroids can also cause high prolactin levels. Elevated prolactin in women can result in infertility, breast tenderness and irregular periods, while it men in can cause low libido and enlarged and tender breasts.

Dr Sam Rodgers MBBS, MRCGP

Why take this test?

  • You are experiencing a milky discharge from the nipple and you want to investigate the cause
  • You are a man taking testosterone and want to check your prolactin levels
  • You are a man with a low sex drive and want to investigate prolactin levels
  • You have a condition which raises your risk of elevated prolactin

How it works

  • Take the test

    Collect your sample at home, visit a partner clinic, or we can even send a nurse to you.

  • Post your sample

    Send your sample back on the same day you take it in the freepost pack to our laboratory.

  • Get your results

    View your results with doctor's advice on your personal dashboard.
Laboratories you can trust

Laboratories you can trust

Trusted by the NHS and private clinics alike, you can be sure of the highest testing standards from our fully accredited partner laboratories.

Expert interpretation <br> of your results

Expert interpretation
of your results

One of our team of doctors will review your results and give you personalised advice based on your medical history, lifestyle and health and fitness goals.

Your personal<br> health centre

Your personal
health centre

Discover the easy way to track your health through our online portal, my.medichecks.com. View your results with doctor's advice, monitor any changes over time and see the improvements you can make to your health with simple lifestyle changes.

Questions? Let us help

Questions? Let us help

Our customer care team is on-hand to help you find the test that's right for you. Get in touch via phone, live chat or email.

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Important

Our tests are not a substitute for seeing your doctor, especially if you are suffering symptoms. Our doctors will interpret your results based on the information you have provided, but will not diagnose, consult or provide any treatment. You will be advised to see your doctor for any necessary follow-up action.