Infertility Support Group
In vitro fertilization is one of the most common and utilized ways of treating conception problems. This support group is dedicated to those beginning their journey with IVF and needing support. Join the community and share your experiences, advice, and story with people going through similar challenges starting a family.
For the last 10 years, I have had secretion from my nipple...only if I squeeze them. The doctors always have informed me I had nothing to worry about. Back in 2003 I had my hormone levels checked and all was well. I had them checked again last year and all was normal. Today I went to my fertility specialist for my day 3 bloodwork and ultrasound....just to make sure everything was okay before I decide to begin my IVF treatment. They did a transvaginal ultrasound and everything looked great. 9 follicles in one ovary and 7 in the other. Uterus looked fine. They called later and told me all my hormone levels were fine, except my PROLACTIN. I am hoping the hormone is high due to stimulation of the breast, because I can't think of any other reason why it would be high. Again, I can squeeze milk out of my breast...but have always been able to and my hormone levels have always been fine. Also my cycle comes on every month like clockwork, I have never missed one month and always bleed for about 6 days...3 heavy...the rest light. From what I read, most people that have High Prolactin levels don't have cycles at all. I guess my question is if my prolactin level doesn't go down, is it still possible to have a successful IVF treatment?
deleted_user
I had the same problem as you...discharge, but fairly regular periods, and then suddenly my RE is telling me that my prolactin was too high. She had me go get an MRI of my pituitary gland to see if I had a tumor on it. Apparently these are fairly common, in men as well as women, and are almost always benign, but they can cause higher prolactin levels. Usual course of treatment is to put you on medication that helps you control the levels of prolactin. That said, my results came back fine as far as the tumor. It can also be caused by stimulation, hormones, stress, etc. Your doctor may put you on meds for it too. As to whether that has anything to do with IVF...my RE told me that if your levels are high, it does affect your ability to get pregnant, whether naturally or through IVF. You can still do a cycle while taking the meds...in fact I was in the middle of mine when they found out...she let me continue, just put me on the medicine. In either case, don't worry. Its a very treatable thing!
deleted_user
By chance are you on Zoloft or a simular anti-anxiety/depressant? I had an elevated Prolactin level and it was because of the med I was on: Zoloft. Just a possibility.
Ginger1
No...not medications. I never even take asprin. : ) I called my nurse to find out exactly what the number was...she said the prolatin level was at 33....so that made me feel a little better. I go back to the doctor's office on tuesday to re-take the test. She said I needed to fast and not to stimulate my breast.
deleted_user
i also had high prolactin ,,,,, but never noticed milk prior to knowing my levels were high, i still went on to do iui and ivf, and when i did have a baby, man could i breast feed!!!! good luck.....
Ginger1
Thanks...my OBGYN said the same thing. Well...I went to the doctor's again two days ago to retake the prolactin test and the results came back today. The prolactin level did not go down. It is now at 34. I will have to have a MRI done, to make sure I don't have a small benign tumor. I will keep everyone informed, and thanks for sharing the stories and the support.
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