Prolactin and stress

[clairettc]

I feel utterly confused that there is lots of research saying stress doesn't impact on trying to get pregnant and that it is a very unhelpful thing to say to someone who is desperate to conceive (I def. fall into that category)

However, I've had some blood tests and I have been told my prolactin is raised which may be effecting my ability to conceive and it is probably raised due to stress.....

So confused! Anyone been told they have a raised prolactin due to stress and have any experience? I know benign brain tumours can cause raised prolactin too. My level is 770 and my understanding is would be quite a lot higher if it were a tumour. I'm waiting for it to be rechecked but this isn't being done mid October!

Any words from someone in a similar position would be appreciated!

Hi,

I've got raised prolactin - 604 in October 2016 then down to 542 in March 2017. Due to be rechecked now actually 🤔

I've had 2 miscarriages in that time & I've started to wonder if it has something to do with my prolactin results.

I have no advice because my doctor hasn't done anything medically wise other than monitor it.

Sorry that's all the help I can give really!

Hi claire -
my prolactin level was high on my first blood test back in June, fortunately i was going on holiday and on my return, when i retested in July, it shot back down quite considerably.

i think TTC is stressful, especially when you’ve been at it for a while like me :)

The doctor told me to relax, forget opk's and just go with the flow.

not sure if this is helpful
x

Hi,

I had 2 high prolactin levels in Oct last year (990 and 1000+) and was referred to endocrinology, by the time I went in Feb the levels were back to normal. Hospital advised that they are used to seeing levels in the 10,000s so my levels weren't a concern. My GP advised high prolactin can cause lighter periods and irregular cycles. I can't really advise on the stress but at no point did my GP or the endocrinologist ever mention stress as a potential cause. Best of luck with the retest and if you are concerned maybe try and start doing some meditation/breathing exercises etc in the meantime to see if you feel less stressed.

Hi all,

Thanks so much for your replies - it's nice to know I'm not the only one with a raised prolactin! I went in about my super light periods and how they seem to be disappearing on me which can't really help thegetting pregnant - but it also turns out my thyroid is a bit over replaced (I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a year ago) and this can cause light periods.

From what I've read high prolactin can cause lack of progesterone and therefore stop ovulation but I also get a peak opk and my literal phase is always 14 days so not really worried about that more that my endometrial lining might not be enough to sustain a pregnancy.

I'm always a stress person - stressful job and I get migraines and IBS so doesn't come as a huge surprise that my stressing might be preventing me from getting pregnant!

I guess I just have to wait for the thyroid and prolactin recheck - GP said if periods were still light she'd refer me early to the fertility doctors.

Thanks again for your replies x

I had high prolactin (all tests were over 1800) when ttc#1. I did a massive overhaul of my lifestyle, kept a personal diary to pinpoint stress triggers (my job and ttc were the two major stress factors) and did daily meditation. It took about 9 months but when I got retested, my level was 380 so I am convinced in my case it was all stress related. Once I was able to bring down the levels I was able to get pregnant. My GP was going to refer me to an endocrinologist but by making the lifestyle changes I was able to avoid needing treatment or medication. For me, I wasn't even aware of how important the role of prolactin was in ttc. High prolactin can cause irregular periods and stop you ovulating so it's important to get it under control.

Random comment to throw in here - but my periods could do with being heavier too ... I find eating lots of blood boosting fruits and veg helps - cherries are great and green leafy veg ... together with seeing a nutritionist, taking supplements and having regular acupuncture... the blood seems to be building up more :))
Xxx