What are the different types of prolactin tests?

The primary test for measuring luteotropic hormone (LTH) or prolactin is simply called prolactin (PRL). Related prolactin tests such as follicles stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteninizing hormone (LH) help evaluate the potential causes of the abnormal LTH levels. Together with the above tests, overall testosterone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) are also measured to help diagnose pituitary disorders.

LTH is a type of protein that is coded by the human PRL gene, which is primarily associated with lactation in pregnant mothers. Men and women produce different amounts of this protein. In women, the amount of LTH usually increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Typical LTH levels for uncertain women are less than 25 micrograms per liter (1,086.95 pmol/l), while typical LTH levels in men are less than 20 micrograms per liter (869.56 pmol/l). The LTH level in men remains stable daily, but the levels gradually decrease with age.

Doctors usually order prolactin tests, if hormonal dysfunction is evident. For example, women suffering from the absence of menstruation, infertility and galactorrhea - which is lactation without pregnancy - are likely to guarantee Prl and related tests. Symptoms of hormonal problems in men include erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, low testosterone and galactorrhea. With the exception of pregnant women, the PRL test with LTH levels over 250 micrograms per liter (10,869.5 pmol/l) is considered to be highly abnormal and can signal the pituitary tumor.

If increased or abnormal PRL results together with related symptoms are, more tests such as FSH and LH are likely to be performed. The FSH and LH tests are used to measure the amount of hormone that is synthesized and excreted in pituitary. FSH performs different functions in men and women. In men, it helps FSHAV production of sperm, while the hormone helps control the menstrual cycle of a woman. Normal test ranges FSH u thatn Before menopause, it varies between 2 and 16 international units per liter (IU/L), while 1 to 8 IU/l is normal for men.

Like FSH, LH is responsible for stimulating the production of important reproductive functions in both sexes. LH levels between 1 to 17 international units per liter in women cause normal ovulation levels, while levels between 1 to 15 IU/l stimulate normal testosterone production for men. When LTH levels are increased, the FSH and LH test results are most likely to be within the lower range.

Another pair of related prolactin tests is called total testosterone and TSH. The total testosterone test measures the amount of free and bound testosterone in the blood. Free testosterone is the amount of testosterone that is not bound to any other chemical in the body. Bound testosterone refers to the amount of testosterone that is phenomenonly bound to a protein called albumin.

Sometimes the total testosterone test is a precursor of the PRL test, especially if there is present in menfor sexual or reproductive dysfunction. Testosterone is unusually low when LTH levels are high. Depending on age, normal testosterone levels in adult men differ between 200 and 1,080,12 nanograms per deciliter (6,94 to 37,48 nmol/l). Women also produce testosterone at much lower concentrations between 8.07 and 70.03 nanograms per deciliter (0.28 to 2.43 nmol/l).

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TSH test can be used as a diagnostic tool for measuring thyroid function when elevated LTH levels are present. The thyroid problem, such as hypothyroidism, is usually present with TSH levels greater than 4.5 milli-meshed units per liter. Increased levels of TSH and prolactin tests can point to hypothyroidism, which is the inability of a large thyroid gland to create enough hormones. Those suffering from hypothyroidism often experience weight gain, fatigue and sensitivity to cold. Hypothyroidism associated with high levels of LTH can be caused by a pituitary tumor.