What is Prolactinoma
A prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland that produces a hormone called prolactin. It is the most common type of pituitary tumor. Symptoms of prolactinoma are caused...
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Can anyone advise?
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I want to open with the fact that I have not been diagnosed with a prolactinoma, however they are doing tests to rule this out/in for me.
Here's my "story" and I was hoping someone could relate or help me... Symptoms are: headaches lasting hours or days, usually not responsive to OTC meds & caffeine. Daily fevers of 99.5 or greater. Lethargy/ weight gain (although I'm not stellar about my diet either). All of the above symptoms are vague, not causing me much concern or need to see a doctor until I started lactating this week. (FYI: we had difficulty with conceiving our daughter and did fertility treatments. She was born 16 months ago, and I nursed her for a year. I weaned at 12 months and had no issues with lactation after this, until now.) This week I started lactating bilaterally, spontaneously. I take no medications. I'm 27. I saw my internist, and she drew several labs, stating that lactation is caused by prolactin, hence mine would be high. CBC and Renal/Metabolic panel, as well as preg test and thyroid function were drawn. All labs were normal. Including Prolactin, which was 5.4. I am scheduled for an MRI on monday, order states "r/o Pituitary Tumor". Can anyone explain why I'd be lactating and NOT have an elevated prolactin? Has anyone had this happen? She made it sound like the chances of pituitary tumor are high since I am lactating (in the absence of any other hormone abnormalities) but everything I've read says that "normal" prolactin levels would suggest NO tumor. Could any of you help me at least figure out what educated questions I should be asking? There's nothing like waiting all weekend to find out, either... Google and I are going to be friends... *sigh* Thanks in advance for any guidance! Posted on 11/06/09, 11:11 pm |
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Hi,
Are you having a period? I've had times when I lactate but the prolactin is lower. My endocrinology said that there are different types of prolactin and the normal blood test only tests for one. Don't be discouraged if they don't find anything in the MRI, it may be super micro. Here's the thing: Even if you do have a prolactiinoma, unless it is macro or you want to get pregnant, it is not super urgent to treat. The medicines are not great. I DO NOT want to be discouraging, I just you to know. I'm on bromocriptine. It has a lot of side effects. Many of the others here are on dostinex, which has fewer side effects, but sounds like it is not as good for getting prego. I hope it works out for you. If you still have questions after you see your doctor, you should see a reproductive endocrinologist. 
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Thank you for commenting...
I am having a period, it's very irregular, and not predictable. This was somewhat true before I had my daughter, but more so now. Shorter cycles, light sometimes, heavy occasionally at other times. I'm assuming after the MRI, the next step is an endocrinologist? Since I am lactating, regardless of my prolactin level, it needs to be checked out, right? Is there danger in trying to get pregnant if a prolactinoma is found? We would like more children, but obviously not at a risk to my health. I currently am not on birth conrol, since we had such struggles getting pregnant so I guess it's always a "risk" that I could conceive (although small!) Thanks again, I really appreciate your input!
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I would suggest getting an appointment with an endocrinologist who can work with your ob/gyn.
It IS IMPORTANT to get a full spectrum of blood test to check your Thyroid, the Endo will be able to check for any other abnormal endocrine gland(s) readings.. Check for Diabetes as well. Be sure to keep track of your period. If you begin having visual issues, let your doctor know about that as well.
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