Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Master of Arts in English Language Teaching ( MAELT )

Summer 2013

TESL 603 – Modern English Grammar ( 3 units )

Dr. Mely M. Padilla

Rm. 406

Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Count your life with smiles, and not the tears that roll.

Mrs. RUTH B. RELATOR - MINIANO

BRIGADA ESKWELA 2013 May 20-24

ROOM 308 – Administrative Building

Submitted by: Mrs. Ruth R.Miniano and Mrs. Chona Lampaya

TESL 601 – Approaches to Teaching English as a Second Language

TESL ( 3 units )

Dr. Pacelli S. Eugenio

Rm. 406

Mrs. RUTH B. RELATOR - MINIANO

Do your own work well, and then you will have something to b e proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.

TESL 601

Approaches to Teaching English

as a Second Language - TESL

Mrs. RUTH B. RELATOR - MINIANO

Do your own work well, and then you will have something to b e proud of. But don’t compare yourself with others. We each must carry our own load.

What It Is

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, the pea-sized gland near the base of the

brain that controls metabolism, growth, and sexual development. Although prolactin is produced

in small amounts in both males and non-pregnant females, its main role is to stimulate lactation

(milk production) in females during pregnancy and maintain milk supply during breastfeeding. A

prolactin test measures the amount of this hormone in the bloodstream.

In a woman who breastfeeds, the nursing baby's demand for milk actually controls the mother's

supply. When a baby sucks at the breast, the woman's pituitary gland releases more prolactin into

her blood, increasing her milk production. If a mother doesn't breastfeed, her prolactin levels will

return to normal shortly after giving birth.

Sometimes, though, prolactin levels are elevated even if a woman isn't pregnant or breastfeeding,

or in a male. The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a usually benign (not cancerous)

prolactin-producing tumor of the pituitary gland.

Why It's Done

Doctors may order prolactin tests to help diagnose, or monitor treatment of, prolactinoma.

Symptoms of a prolactinoma include headaches, vision problems (if tumor growth is causing

pressure on an optic nerve), and galactorrhea (milk production outside pregnancy or

breastfeeding, or in a male).

The prolactin test also may be used as part of a work-up for irregular menstrual periods, fertility

problems, some types of thyroid or adrenal gland dysfunction, anorexia, and polycystic ovarian

syndrome.

All these conditions can be associated with altered prolactin levels. A number of medications and

drugs can also stimulate the pituitary gland to release more prolactin into the blood.

Preparation

No special preparations are needed for this test. However, since prolactin levels vary throughout

the day and night — they're highest during sleep, just after waking up, following strenuous

exercise, and during periods of emotional stress — your doctor may request that the test be

performed at a certain time of day (often a few hours after waking up). You also should be sure

that the doctor knows about any medications or drugs your child may be taking, since some may

increase prolactin levels in the blood.

It may help to have your child wear a short-sleeve shirt on the day of the test to allow easier

access for the technician who will be drawing the blood.

The Procedure

A health professional will draw the blood from a vein after cleaning the skin surface with

antiseptic and placing an elastic band (tourniquet) around the upper arm to apply pressure and

cause the veins to swell with blood. A needle is inserted into a vein (usually in the arm inside of

the elbow or on the back of the hand) and blood is withdrawn and collected in a vial or syringe.

After the procedure, the elastic band is removed. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is

removed and the area is covered with cotton or a bandage to stop the bleeding. Collecting the

blood for the test will only take a few minutes.

Getting the Results

The blood sample will be processed by a machine. The results are commonly available in 1-2

days.

Risks

The prolactin test is considered a safe procedure. However, as with many medical tests, some

problems can occur with having blood drawn, including:

fainting or feeling lightheaded

hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin causing a lump or bruise)

pain associated with multiple punctures to locate a vein

Helping Your Child

Having a blood test is relatively painless. Still, many children are afraid of needles. Explaining

the test in terms your child can understand might help ease some of the fear.

Allow your child to ask the technician any questions he or she might have. Tell your child to try

to relax and stay still during the procedure, as tensing muscles and moving can make it harder

and more painful to draw blood. It also may help if your child looks away when the needle is

being inserted into the skin.

If You Have Questions

If you have questions about the prolactin test, speak with your doctor. You can also talk to the

technician before the procedure.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD

Date reviewed: March 2011