What condition does Prolactin testing help evaluate?

Prolactin testing is specifically utilized to assess the levels of prolactin hormone in the blood, which is primarily involved in lactation. An elevated prolactin level can indicate galactorrhea, which is the production of breast milk in individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. This condition may arise due to various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, pituitary tumors, or other underlying health issues. Therefore, testing for prolactin is essential in evaluating conditions related to abnormal milk production outside of the normal pregnancy and breastfeeding context, making it a critical tool in diagnosing and understanding galactorrhea.