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Yes, prolactin is one of the correct answers.
Prolactin and TSH determinations are basic evaluations in infertile women. Infertile men with hypogonadism also should be tested. Likewise, prolactin levels should be measured in the evaluation of amenorrhea, galactorrhea, galactorrhea with amenorrhea, hirsutism with amenorrhea, anovulatory bleeding, and delayed and precocious puberty.
When evaluating prolactin levels, physiologic alterations or conditions may result intransient as well as persistent elevations in prolactin levels. Disorders categorized as physiologic conditions and drug-related do not always require intervention.
Plasma levels of immunoreactive prolactin are 5-27 ng/ml during the menstrual cycle. Samples should not be drawn soon after the patient awakes or after procedures. Prolactin issecreted in a pulsatile fashion with a pulse frequency ranging from about 14 pulses per 24 hours in the late follicular phase to about nine pulses per 24 hours in the late luteal phase. There is also a diurnal variation with the lowest levels occurring the midmorning after the patient awakes. Levels rise 1 hour after the onset of sleep and continue to rise until peak values are reached between 5:00 and 7:00 AM (29,30). The pulse amplitude of prolactin appears to increase from early to late follicular and luteal phases (31-33). Because of the variability of secretion and inherent limitations of radioimmunoassay, an elevated level should always be rechecked. This is preferably drawn midmorning and not after stress, venipuncture,breast stimulation, or physical examination, which increases prolactin levels.
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