Prolactin Levels High After Childbirth? Worried...

I have increased levels of prolactin as well. My GYN wasn't terribly worried though. We did talk about the possibility of a tumor, but the levels were decreased with medicine. I tool Parlidil (sp) for a few months and my levels dropped. There are a lot of people that have these small tumors and they don't even know it! I think TUMOR is a really scary word. Most doctors don't like to give the qualifier of "Benign." I swear, they just like to scare us half to death and then say "Oh, it's nothing!" So, don't focus so much on the terminology. A tumor doesn't automatically mean that it's malignant or life threatening.

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I had that exact problem - a prolactin-producing tumor on my pituitary gland. It was very small, and I took bromocriptine for it (not long). It went away on its own as far as we can tell.

This was about 14 years ago . . . (so I was in my mid 20's). Not long after treatment I had my second child (they can cause infertility sometimes).

I remember, from my research, that a good number of the population has one and doesn't even know it. An acquaintance of mine had a more aggressive tumor and she had hers removed (and subsequently lost over 70 pounds).

IMHO you are doing the right thing working with an endocrinologist. I would not worry yet (easier said than done).

Good luck.

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Prolactin is a normal hormone of late stage pregnancy and for as long as a baby is being nursed. Prolactin is mandatory for milk production. Even if you do not breastfeed, your levels will be higher than normal until your WHOLE body returns to as close to 'normal' as possible.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolactinoma Here is a web site that might be helpful. It says that the first treatment is usually with drugs. I'm not sure why you're terrified. Concerned, worried yes but why terrified? Perhaps you've not had serious medical issues before.

I've had several serious issues and learned with each one that eventually it gets figured out, treated, and I'm back to a "normal" life. This will happen for you, too.

When I went for an MRI I couldn't stay in the tunnel. They gave me valium before giving me the test. I suggest that you ask for some valium or similar medication to deal with your fears.

This too shall pass. You will find out the cause and you will have successful treatment. Remind yourself of this every time the fear rises up to torment you.

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I have prolactinoma. A tumor on my pituitary gland that creates high levels of prolactin. When I'm not pregnant or nursing I take medication to lower my levels. It has affected my ability to get pregnant without the help of clomid in addition to taking my meds.
Don't worry too much. It's a benign tumor and you can live with it. I was freaked out when they first told me about it and referred me to a neurosurgeon so that was scary. But the neurosurgeon referred me to an endocrinologist which is where I started with the meds. I don't have regular periods so the process to get pregnant is more than just trying but nothing that can't be assisted with the help of a fertility doctor.
I've been able to have two healthy children so far with no complications! I plan to have one or two more.
Good luck with everything. I'm confident that you'll be okay!

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