Donor Tissue Counseling
Prolactin Testing for Fertility
Prolactin testing can identify abnormal hormone levels that may interfere with regular menstrual cycles and ovulation.
Summary:
Prolactin is a hormone that can affect menstrual cycles and ovulation when levels are elevated. Prolactin testing may be included in a fertility evaluation when symptoms, cycle patterns or other findings suggest it may be relevant.
What Is Prolactin?
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is best known for its role in milk production after childbirth, but elevated prolactin levels outside pregnancy and breastfeeding can also affect the reproductive hormone signals involved in ovulation and menstruation.
Because abnormal prolactin levels can contribute to irregular or absent menstrual cycles, prolactin testing may be included in a fertility evaluation when a patient’s history, symptoms or cycle patterns suggest that it could be relevant.
How Is Prolactin Tested?
Prolactin is measured with a blood test. Levels can sometimes be influenced by factors unrelated to an underlying reproductive condition, so an unexpected result may need to be repeated or evaluated further before conclusions are drawn.
Why Is Prolactin Tested for Fertility?
Elevated prolactin can interfere with the hormonal signaling involved in ovulation. For some patients, this can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles, absent periods or difficulty ovulating regularly.
A fertility specialist may recommend prolactin testing when menstrual history, symptoms or other hormone findings suggest that an abnormal prolactin level could be relevant.
What Can Affect Prolactin Levels?
Prolactin can be influenced by medications, pregnancy and breastfeeding, certain medical conditions and temporary physiologic factors. Because an elevated result does not automatically indicate a fertility disorder, unexpected findings may require repeat testing or additional evaluation before determining their significance.
01
Hyperprolactinemia
Persistently elevated prolactin may be diagnosed as hyperprolactinemia and can interfere with reproductive hormone signaling. Learn about hyperprolactinemia.
02
Irregular Periods
Elevated prolactin can sometimes contribute to irregular menstrual cycles. Learn about irregular periods.
03
No Period (Amenorrhea)
Significantly elevated prolactin may contribute to absent menstrual periods in some patients.
If prolactin is affecting cycle function, evaluation of ovulation may provide additional information. Learn about ovulation testing.04
Ovulation Testing
How Can Prolactin Affect Ovulation?
When prolactin is abnormally elevated, it can disrupt the hormonal signaling between the brain and ovaries that supports regular ovulation. In some patients, this may contribute to irregular menstrual cycles or absent periods.
Elevated Prolactin Does Not Always Mean Infertility
The reproductive effect of an elevated prolactin level depends on the degree of elevation, whether it persists and whether ovulation or menstrual function is affected. A single abnormal result does not establish the cause of a fertility concern.
Why Further Evaluation May Be Needed
If prolactin remains elevated, a clinician may review medications, symptoms and medical history and determine whether additional testing is appropriate. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause may help restore normal reproductive hormone signaling in some patients.
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Schedule a consultation with Spring Fertility to discuss your options.