The effect of routine breast examination on serum prolactin levels

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a routine breast examination on serum PRL levels. Design: Prospective clinical study. Setting: University-based reproductive endocrinology unit. Patients: Eleven nonlactating, euprolactinemic women of reproductive age with a history of regular menstrual cycles and currently taking no medications. Interventions: Breast examination using standard technique. Main Outcome Measure: 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. Conclusion: Routine breast examination does not alter acutely serum PRL levels in normal women.