Before you know what day prolactin is given, we will analyze what this hormone is. Prolactin is produced by cells of the pituitary gland. In the human body, several forms of the hormone are formed and one of them is active. It is this form that makes up the bulk of the hormone that is being determined.
When is it necessary to take an assay for prolactin?
It is known that in order to obtain the most reliable result of the level of sex hormones, it is necessary to take tests on certain days of the menstrual cycle. But on what day to pass the analysis for prolactin , there is no fundamental difference. As a rule, blood on the hormone prolactin is given on the same day of the cycle as other necessary tests. In the future, simply interpret the result, comparing it with the normal indicator in a specific period of the cycle. The accuracy of the result is increased if prolactin is given on the 5th-7th day of the menstrual cycle. Also prolactin is given on the 18-22 day of the cycle and during pregnancy.
The most significant increase in the hormone is observed during pregnancy. Typically, a gradual increase in prolactin, starting with the eighth week, and the maximum peak is observed in the third trimester . However, just before birth, the level of the hormone decreases slightly. And the next peak of increase is recorded during the period of breastfeeding. Since this hormone affects the lactation process.
Preparation for analysis of the level of prolactin
A couple of days before the prolactin is given, certain rules must be followed. This will give a more reliable result. So, the recommendations that you should adhere to when you need to take Prolactin are listed below:
- Abstain from sex.
- If possible, avoid stressful situations and excessive physical exertion.
- Eat less sweet or even refuse confectionery before analysis.
- Blood on Prolactinum is better for handing over, when has passed at least three hours after a dream. This is due to the fact that the level of this hormone has a property to rise during sleep.
- Blood sampling for analysis is performed on an empty stomach.
- Before the analysis, you should not smoke and drink alcohol.
It is worth noting that massage or palpation of the mammary glands will stimulate the synthesis of prolactin. In this regard, such manipulations should not be carried out on the eve of the study.
The units of measurement and the level of hormone levels can differ in different clinics. Therefore, to interpret the result, it is necessary based on the norms proposed by the laboratory.