Useful For

Prolactin determinations are useful for the prediction of ovulation, in the evaluation of infertility, and the diagnosis of pituitary and gonadal disorders. Prolactin appears to function solely in the initiation and maintenance of lactation. Prolactin assay is used in the diagnosis of prolactinomas, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, or infertility, and to monitor surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments of prolactin-producing tumors. Notes: 1)In normal individuals, the prolactin will rise in response to physiologic stimuli such as sleep, exercise, nipple stimulation, sexual intercourse, hypoglycemia, postpartum period, and in newborn infants. 2)Pathologic causes of hyperprolactinemia include prolactin-secreting adenoma (prolactinoma), functional and organic disease of hypothalamus, section of pituitary stock, irritated chest wall lesions, renal failure, and ectopic tumors