Lack of effect of interview and gynaecological examination on plasma levels of prolactin and cortisol.

Levels of prolactin and cortisol were measured in plasma from 18 non-pregnant patients attending a general gynaecological outpatient clinic for the first time. Each patient was seen by one of two clinicians and blood samples were taken at six different stages of the clinical interview and examination. No significant changes in the levels of prolactin or cortisol were observed suggesting that pulsatile secretion and the response to the stress of an outpatient gynaecological visit are not important factors in the interpretation of plasma prolactin levels.