What is Prolactin?

Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland in the base of the brain and is responsible for promoting breast milk production following childbirth. Both men and non-pregnant women have low levels of Prolactin in their system. Besides pregnancy, high Prolactin levels can also be associated with a type of tumour known as a prolactinoma which is found in the pituitary gland in the brain. These tumours are usually benign but can cause:

• Breast milk production in men and non-pregnant women
• Visual disturbances and headaches (pressure on the optic nerve from the expanding tumour)
• Infertility
• Loss of sex drive
• Irregular periods
• Erectile dysfunction (suppression of sex hormone production by the pituitary gland from the growing tumour).

Why should I consider a Prolactin test?

Better2Know’s Prolactin home test will detect the levels of the hormone in your system if you are suffering from any of the symptoms above. Although prolactinomas are usually benign, their unchecked growth can cause permanent damage to surrounding tissue if undiagnosed and untreated.

What is the Better2Know home testing process?

Your Prolactin home test will provide accurate testing in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Your kit will contain three finger prick lancets, a gold-topped blood collection tube, wipes, a pathology form and a postage-paid return envelope. You can use the free post envelope included in your pack to post your sample to Better2Know’s accredited laboratory, where it will be analysed swiftly and accurately.

When will my home testing kit arrive?

If you place your order before 4pm, Monday to Friday, Better2Know will dispatch your Prolactin home testing kit on the same day by first class post.

How will I receive my test results?

Your results will be available as early as one working day following the receipt of your sample at our lab. Better2Know’s experienced Patient Services team will also contact you once your results are ready. You can view them as soon as they become available in your secure patient area.

What should I do with my results?

If your prolactin home test shows elevated quantities of this hormone in your system, you should arrange an appointment with a doctor to discuss the results. Better2Know can organise a private consultation with one of our many helpful doctors in the UK. Your doctor will go through your results and suggest appropriate next steps.

How can I order my home test?

To order Better2Know’s Prolactin home testing kit today, simply select the blue button above and proceed to the checkout page. Better2Know’s wide range of health tests are also available at our private clinics nationwide. Please phone the number at the top of the page and our expert advisors will arrange your confidential appointment or process the order for your home testing kit.