Prolactin test for men

This test may be requested to find the cause of unexplained milk secretion from the nipples, to investigate fertility problems or gynocomastia (gyno).

Prolactin is a hormone made in the pituitary gland. It stimulates the production of breast milk by the female mammary gland tissue. Increased prolactin inhibits fertility.

Some physical disorders can lead to increased prolactin levels-for example, stress, anorexia nervosa, kidney disease, a disturbed (sex) hormone balance or the presence of a prolactinoma (a benign tumor in the pituitary gland that produces prolactin). The use of some medications can also lead to an increase in prolactin-for example, estrogens, antidepressants, tranquilizers, some blood pressure reducers and drugs used to treat regurgitation from the stomach.

Low concentrations of prolactin may indicate a disorder of pituitary function. Use of some drugs can also cause a lowering, for example dopamine and other drugs that affect the nervous system.

In men, this test is requested along with testosterone and thyroid tests to determine the cause of impotence.