Prolactin, Total and Monomeric

Overview:

Prolactin circulates in more than one form. Most is monomeric, the small active form, but some people have a large proportion of macroprolactin, where prolactin is bound into a much bigger complex. Macroprolactin is biologically inactive but is still detected by standard tests, so total prolactin reads high in someone who has no symptoms and needs no treatment. Measuring the monomeric fraction separately distinguishes the two, which can prevent unnecessary imaging and treatment. This test is generally used when a raised total prolactin does not fit the clinical picture, rather than as a first-line measurement.

Categories:

Hormone

Biomarkers:

2 biomarkers