Capricious but important
Prolactin jumps from stress, sleep, breast examination and intimacy - it gives up in the morning after 20 minutes of rest, significant increases are confirmed again by macroprolactin (inactive form). A persistent excess leads to an MRI of the pituitary gland: prolactinoma is treated with pills that quickly restore the cycle and libido. Mandatory for both sexes in case of hypogonadism.
When is it appointed?
- decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue in men - testosterone;
- cycle disorders, infertility, PCOS in women - FSH/LH/estradiol/prolactin;
- hirsutism, acne - androgen profile;
- suspicion of diseases of the pituitary gland and adrenal glands;
- control of hormonal therapy.
Hormone rules
Hormones require conditions: morning sampling (peak testosterone and cortisol), the correct day of the cycle in women (FSH/LH/estradiol - 2-5, progesterone - 21-23), rest before prolactin. One shift is not a diagnosis: significant deviations are reconfirmed and interpreted by a specialized doctor. At the clinic, a complete andrological and gynecological profile is provided in one visit with a ready-made interpretation.
