The effect of routine breast examination on serum prolactin levels.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of a routine breast examination on serum PRL levels.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
University-based reproductive endocrinology unit.


METHODS
Eleven nonlactating, euprolactinemic women of reproductive age with a history of regular menstrual cycles and currently taking no medications.


METHODS
Breast examination using standard technique.


METHODS
Changes in serum PRL levels after breast examination.


RESULTS
Baseline PRL levels ranged from 3.64 to 19.23 ng/mL (mean 7.17 ng/mL; conversion factor to SI unit, 1.00). There were no significant increases in PRL levels after breast examination, with mean PRL levels after 15, 30, and 45 minutes of 6.59, 6.84, and 6.45 ng/mL, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine breast examination does not alter acutely serum PRL levels in normal women.
Hammond
K R
KR
Division of Reproductive Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.
Steinkampf
M P
MP
Boots
L R
LR
Blackwell
R E
RE
D000328:Adult; D001940:Breast; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010173:Palpation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D011388:Prolactin