When do they give up prolactin? We learn about the main stages of preparation

The work of most body systems depends on the hormonal balance. The slightest deviation from the norm instantly affects the state of health and can manifest as a minimum malaise, maximum - endocrine infertility of the male and female population of the planet. To diagnose endocrine infertility, doctors prescribe a blood test for the hormone prolactin. How to properly pass the analysis, you will learn from this article.

Indications for conduction

Female patients are prescribed this procedure due to irregular menstruation (frequent delays not related to pregnancy), lack of milk during breastfeeding, and also because of suspicion of endocrine infertility. When do men give prolactin? In case of testicular insufficiency, oligospermia, azospermia or gynecomastia (enlargement of the mammary glands in size). In addition, there are situations when prolactin is given to both women and men. These indications include: galactorrhea (discharge of milk or a similar fluid from the nipples of the mammary glands, not associated with lactation or pregnancy); Diagnosis of abnormalities in the functioning of the pituitary gland; Suspicion of a pituitary tumor (visual impairment or chronic headaches); After removal of the tumor from the pituitary gland for the purpose of carrying out hormone replacement therapy.

So, when they give out prolactin and how to do it correctly?

The hormonal background is extremely sensitive to the effects of the external environment on a person, to any inner experiences. That is why the analysis must be prepared in advance. So, one day before the change:

• Do not visit saunas, baths;
• Do not drink alcohol and fatty foods;
• Exclude intensive sports activities;
• Protect the nipples from irritation;
• Do not have sexual intercourse.

Try to get a good night's sleep (about 10-12 hours), do not smoke an hour before the procedure. In the clinic you need to come hungry to get an accurate analysis of prolactin. When to take? The best time is the first 2-3 hours immediately after awakening. For men, there is no specific indication of when to take the analysis. However, women must pass the test on the 5th-7th, or a little later, on the 18-22th day of the cycle.

How is the analysis done?

The blood test uses the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay together with additional examinations of its forms. The production of the hormone is regulated by tiroliberin and dopamine receptor blockers. Therefore, during the analysis, samples are also used with these substances. Thus, the secretion of prolactin is evaluated and various pathologies and diseases are revealed.

Pregnancy

In this particular period, the indications of prolactin in women differ by an order of magnitude. Because such tests are evaluated by other criteria. Here a special role is played by the period of pregnancy, the lactation period, the phase of the menstrual cycle. Breastfeeding suggests an increase in the level of prolactin in the woman's blood. A large amount of the hormone is released into the blood and in the first two trimester of pregnancy. If the mother refuses to breast-feed, then the level of prolactin comes back to normal four weeks after the birth. So, now you know when they give out prolactin. Be healthy!