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Fertility & Hormones
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Prolactin is a hormone from the pituitary gland, best known for supporting breast milk after childbirth. This test is used to look into irregular periods, fertility problems, unexpected breast milk or, in men, low sex drive. A high level can be caused by pregnancy, some medicines or a small pituitary growth, and may disturb periods and fertility. A normal result is reassuring. The result guides your doctor on whether further hormone tests or imaging are needed.
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Two to three hours after you wake, rather than the moment you get up. Prolactin is highest during sleep and settles as the morning goes on, so a mid morning appointment gives the most representative reading. If you are being retested, keeping to a similar time makes the two results comparable.
Because this hormone responds to stress within minutes, and that includes the small stress of the needle. Sitting quietly for 15 to 30 minutes beforehand lets the level settle so the result reflects you rather than the appointment. It also helps to avoid exercise and a heavy meal that morning.
Quite possibly. Several everyday medicines lift prolactin, including some used for nausea, reflux, mood and sleep. This is one of the most common explanations for a high result. Tell the nurse everything you take, prescription or not, and never stop a medicine on your own to get a lower number.
No. A heavy meal just before the draw is worth avoiding because it can nudge the level up, but there is no need to fast. Eat lightly if your appointment is mid morning.