Description
Prolactin is a protein hormone produced in the anterior pituitary.
During pregnancy, the function of prolactin is to ensure the preparation of the mammary glands for lactation. The hormone plays an important role in the formation and functioning of the corpus luteum and participates in the regulation of water-salt metabolism. Under its influence, the excretion of water and sodium by the kidneys is retained, and calcium absorption increases.
The prolactin level depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle and varies throughout the day, peaking during sleep and decreasing to its minimum by midday.
Determination of prolactin level is used to diagnose disorders of lactation, menstrual cycle, mastopathy, and female infertility.
The macroprolactin test is performed by the laboratory automatically and free of charge if prolactin is above 750 µIU/mL.
Period of execution
By 9 hours. The specified time does not include the day of biomaterial collection
Biomaterial type