Prolactin & irregular periods

[callypally]

Hi everyone!
I'm quite new on here!
I suffer with irregular periods (always have done really but never thought much of them before), my husband and I have been trying to conceive for just over 6 months now but unfortunately no luck so far.
I had a doctors appointment regarding my irregular periods (my last period was 2 and a half months ago now), and my results came back with borderline levels of prolactin.
I'm having another blood test done in early jan to see if the levels are stress related or my "normal".
Has anyone been in this position too? Any words of advice would be highly appreciated 😊
It's my first time trying to conceive, so it's all quite confusing and worrying that this is happening. It's also really disappointing keep taking pregnancy tests and for them to be negative, especially as I have no idea when my period will be!!
I'm 30 next month, so trying to keep my calm about it!
Anyone who is or was in the same boat, then it would be great to chat!

[callypally]

Heyy @agteacht congratulations on the scan so far! That's great to hear everything is going well so far! Try not to worry and stress about it all, although easier said than done!!

Oohh and a December baby too, how exciting! You and DH must be so happy! I don't blame you, you might as well wait til your next scan and you feel fully ready to tell everyone!

Unfortunately I don't think I'm ovulating at the moment, I've done two rounds of the Provera meds and had two periods so far, but both times I've not had any positive results for the ovulation sticks. A little disappointing, but I suppose to be expected, I'm not too sure on the norm! I guess I'll just need to wait for my next gynaecologist appointment, hoping it won't be months away!!

Hope you are feeling okay and less anxious!

[callypally]

Heyy @KnitKitty
No worries 😊
Aw that's good that you have been given that to help, hopefully this time around everything will be fine!
Have you started taking them yet?
That's nice that @agteacht was taking them too and has had such a positive outcome with her pregnancy! Fingers crossed for you too!

My hycosy should be at the end of May, so we'll see what happens! I have to call on the first day of my period and then they slot me in for an appointment 6-12 days after the period, I couldn't get a space last month, so fingers crossed for this time around!

I've been trying to do some reading on PCOS (super geek over here haha!) might try out some fertility supplements! I've been taking the normal folic acid ones for almost a year, but wondering if I'd be better suited to a full "fertility supplement" one hmm, have you girls tried those? They seem quite expensive and I'm wondering if they're worthwhile!!
I have a "normal" BMI of 21 and generally think I'm quite healthy. So just trying to think of ways to better my chances during the long wait between appointments!

[Explorers10]

Can i ask what prolactin is? Is this when periods are irregular? I have regular periods but have been referred for scan as blood test shows high testesterone so suspected PCOS. Looking through my blood tests I can’t see I was tested for prolactin just LH, FSH, estrogen & testesterone.

[callypally]

Hi @Explorers10
Prolactin is a hormone, I was tested for it originally as I had irregular/stopped periods (none of my periods were the same and then they stopped for 5 months!)
After further testing, I've recently been confirmed as having PCOS and my endocrinologist believes my slightly raised prolactin is due to the PCOS, so a secondary effect as such and not the "cause" of my infertility.
It may be that prolactin isn't relevant for you, so maybe something you don't need to worry about! Maybe mention prolactin to your doctor if everything comes back fine with your scan 😊

I think for PCOS, you need at least 2 out of the 3 indicators:
Irregular periods, high testosterone and cysts from a scan. I have all 3 unfortunately, although my testosterone is only slightly raised.

When is your scan? Hope everything goes okay! Have you TTC for long?

What were the results for your lh and fsh? My lh were double the value of my fsh, which apparently can also indicate PCOS. That's only from bits I have read/heard, still waiting for my next appointment to discuss results and further treatment!

[Explorers10]

@callypally

Thank you for your reply, very helpful. My scan is tomorrow, hopefully get more answers. GP appointment is then a week on Thursday, I will ask about prolactin. My FSH is double my LH level so the other way round to yours?! I’m on cycle 5 although I already have 1 child so this has come as a bit of a shock as may have had pcos all my life and not known about it as only recently finding out about pcos

[callypally]

No worries @Explorers10 😊
Aw that's good your scan is tomorrow, hope it all goes well for you!
Yes worth mentioning the prolactin to the doc then, I think some of the other girls in the chat had normal periods but high prolactin, now I think back! Might be worth reading through some of the earlier messages in the chat!

Ah i just checked my results and my lh was 12, with my fsh at 6.7, not sure what it means if it is the other way round to be honest, but I'm sure your doc will go through it all with you! Might be nothing to worry about 😊

Sorry to hear that it's more difficult this time around, that must be confusing! Keep positive though, you've got there before!

[Explorers10]

@callypally Thank you will try keep positive and I suppose finding out now is better than not knowing and hopefully get some help. Good luck to you with TTC, sounds like your appointments with gynaecologist have been helpful. I hope you get your BFP soon

[callypally]

@Explorers10 yesss definitely good to find out early on! It's horrible when it's a waiting game and your mind goes into overdrive!
There is lots of help available too, so definitely keep positive and try not to get stressed about it!

Thank you! I've been TTC my first baby for 11months now, feeling like a long journey, but I'm sure I'll get there in the end, just trying not to be impatient!! It is frustrating and disheartening though!

Hope it goes well with the scan! Let us know how it goes 😊

[Explorers10]

@callypally that’s exactly how I feel with the waiting game, I wish I was one that could just switch my mind off and allow myself to think of other things to keep me preoccupied. Just googled that 2:1 ratio it’s supposed to be your way round higher LH to FSH is no idea why mine is the wrong way round. Were your estrogen levels normal as mine were higher than normal?

I feel for you as it does feel like a long journey and I so understand the frustration of being impatient. You just want answers and things sorted. Keep chin up we will get there with a little help!

[agteacht]

Hi @callypally thanks for the good wishes. I was stressing badly over the last few days because all my symptoms disappeared overnight. Felt like when I had mmc before. So in a panic I booked in for another scan - only two weeks since my last one!

But all was well again thank god and I feel silly for being so anxious but I couldn't help it. Measured 9+1 and a lovely little heartbeat. That should get me through now to my 12 week scan with the NHS which is 3 weeks tomorrow ❤️

Great news that you have now had two normal periods. It's annoying you're not ovulating but if I were you I would keep using OPKs religiously. Like throughout your cycle when you don't have a period. You can use the really cheap ones from Amazon. There are other things you could try to bring on ovulation too, like soy isoflavones, but I don't want to confuse things for you if you have the doc appts soon anyway. It's going in the right direction though.

@Explorers10 welcome! I had high prolactin as well as PCOS but I'm beginning to think my PCOS was pretty borderline and the issue was the high prolactin. Worth asking your doctor to test for it. In terms of LH and FSH, my results were LH 4.9 and FSH 5.3 which doesn't suggest PCOS and those results are pretty good. As callypally says a 2:1 ratio would suggest PCOS. What were your actual results?

[Explorers10]

@callypally had my scan today and it was normal no cysts on ovaries. I also have regular periods. Just high testosterone on blood test so means I'm not diagnosed with Pcos. May explain why my lh was not double my fsh

@agteacht thank you for the welcome. My results were as follows: fsh: 10.8, lh: 4.9, testesterone 3.5. Oestradiol 229.

Are both you ladies younger than me? I'm 34 so may explain my higher fsh

[KnitKitty]

Hi ladies.

@callypally I haven't managed to get my medication yet! The GP didn't send it over to the pharmacy for about a week, and then when they finally did the pharmacy couldn't source the medication. I should be picking it up at the hospital today after getting the consultant to send my prescription to the hospital pharmacy. It's been quite a struggle!!
I really hope you get your hycosy this month! The waiting around for medical stuff gets really tiring and frustrating.

@agteacht That's fantastic news about your scan! I am so, so pleased for you! Congrats on the healthy looking bean!
Did you say you were put on Cabergoline before this BFP? If so, when in your cycle did you start taking it? And how long did you take it for?

[agteacht]

Hmm @Explorers10 I had borderline too high testosterone but I can't remember the result unfortunately and my consultant took it from me. But in any case great news if no PCOS!
Younger - unfortunately not!! I'm 36...

Hey @KnitKitty - thank you! Yes I was on cabergoline, only for 6 weeks before my BFP. Can't remember exact numbers but prolactin went from something like 1300 to 100 when my bloods were tested after 4-5 weeks. So I really believe in cabergoline! Though I think you said before that you seem to get BFPs quite easily, it's it sticking? I was having real trouble just getting the BFP and am convinced it was the prolactin tricking my body.

[agteacht]

Oh sorry, didn't answer your first question. I think I started it about week 2-3 in my cycle, then had a period as normal, and next cycle got BFP. I don't remember the start date being much of a discussion point with the consultant though.

[KnitKitty]

@agteacht Oh wow, that worked really fast for you then!!! The reason I was asking is because I was told to wait to take it until my period started or if I had a negative pregnancy test. The original plan was to start taking the meds for a cycle and then start TTC again the next cycle; but we 'accidentally' started trying again this cycle. This month we've had sex on CD 8 and 11, and I usually ovulate around CD 12-14, so I'm definitely in FW... (Got lost in the moment and the timing felt right, so rolled with it).
I FINALLY got my meds today (CD12). I wasn't sure whether to take my first tablet or not; but I took an executive decision to start it and have had my first dose. I figured it might help with my lining, and I won't have implanted yet even if an egg has already been fertilised, so the pros outweighed the cons of putting off starting it until my next cycle. If I got pregnant again and didn't take the meds and lost it I would kick myself. If I get pregnant and this one doesn't work out, at least I'll feel like I tried something.
I just hope I've done the right thing!

I'm actually feeling really positive and the happiest I've been in months! Roll on TWW!!

Did you get any side-effects. They warned me about nausea...

[agteacht]

@KnitKitty you sound really happy and positive so fingers crossed!!

I think you were right to start. Really not sure why you would wait. And you just never know!!

I got a bit dizzy but that's it. Nothing rude major that I remember anyway. The consultant did warn me that if you have addictive behaviour it can get worse!!! The example she used was gambling! A bit random I thought 😂

Does it help with the lining? I stopped it when I got BFP. I do worry a bit that my prolactin is too high and being pregnant will make it worse. I vaguely remember she said she didn't recommend breastfeeding. But I'll ask for a referral again when I'm like 30 weeks (fingers crossed!). To be honest whether I breastfeed or not doesn't bother me so I'll go with whatever she thinks

I have my fingers crossed for a BFP for you! What are you now, like 3-4 dpo? Not long!

[agteacht]

Oh sorry CD12. Still it won't be long!

[KnitKitty]

@agteacht Aww thanks. I've also been told to stop taking it once I get a positive pregnancy test. I'm just putting my trust in the doctors that they know what's best, but yeah, the thought of stopping taking something which successfully gets you pregnant is scary.
The endocrinologist said the high prolactin can have an affect on successful implantation. I'm assuming that means Cabergoline = better lining? I wasn't told that specifically, it's just how I'm imagining it works!

Anyway, yes, I told really track ovulation, so not sure at the moment. But I have a sneaky suspicion that I've either already ovulated or am about to.

I love the idea of Cabergoline turning people into wild gamblers!
I might have to warn my colleague that my obsessive filing might get worse...

[KnitKitty]

Edit: I don't really track ovulation... Not 'told'... I think I need to get to bed!

[agteacht]

@KnitKitty haha excessive filing, brilliant!!!

What you're saying makes sense. I had been religiously tracking ovulation for over a year. So I must have hit the FW enough times. Maybe it's just that the egg couldn't implant due to the prolactin and the cabergoline made that possible. You might be onto something!! Have my fingers crossed for you will be waiting to hear! :)

[KnitKitty]

Hi ladies, how are you all doing?

Just thought I'd share my news... I just did a test ! I'm CD24 and I think 11DPO.

So no more cabergoline for me. I just hope it did the job and this one actually sticks. 5th time lucky? Going to start on the progesterone pessaries tonight.

[agteacht]

Wow @KnitKitty !!! That's one hell of a line!!! Congrats!!!

That's two BFPs from just a few weeks of cabergoline. Coincidence I think not?!
This stuff is magic!

You must be so pleased? When does that make you due?

I've been taking baby aspirin to help it stick. I don't know if it's had an impact but I thought it worth a go. I have my 12w scan next week...

[KnitKitty]

I'm sure the cabergoline helped this one implant. My last three losses I only ever got a very vague line and started spotting from mid-cycle. No bleeding so far. Fingers crossed I won't bleed this pregnancy!
Took my first progesterone pessary last night

I am allowing myself to be really excited for this one! My first pregnancy I was just in shock. My other ones I had a sense of impending doom (possibly for good reason...) This one I feel really good about! A little voice in my head is nervous to let me be excited 'in case'; but to hell with it! This is amazing!

Should be due 1st Feb if my calculations are correct. Only 3 weeks and 3 days at the moment!
Now need to work out if I can contact EPU directly or get GP to refer me for my 6 week scan. (Consultant said I'd have one at 6 and then again at 8)

I hope your 12 week scan goes well!!

[agteacht]

Ah wow!
So pleased for you!!
Weirdly I also found out at 3w 3d. 11w 2d today...
Let me know how you get on x

[callypally]

Wow congratulations @KnitKitty !! How exciting, glad the meds worked for you so quickly! Hope everything works out well for you this time around, it's great that you are feeling really good about it, definitely a good sign! Let us know how you get along as you go 😊

How is everything going with your pregnancy @agteacht? Wow can't believe you are 11 weeks already!! That's flown by!

Sorry I've not got round to replying for a while, I've been a bit disheartened with not ovulating etc, so I've kind of given up trying for a while! Although on the plus I've got my hycosy scan booked for Tuesday as they've managed to fit me in this time around! Nervous but looking forward to getting it out the way so I can get my next gynaecologist appointment in and hopefully starting some meds to get the ovulating going!!

The hycosy means I'm out of trying this month too as the dye can apparently be harmful for a baby, so they advise to use condoms for this month. It'll be nice to have a write off completely of a month 😊

@Explorers10 glad everything went okay with your scan, did your doc suggest anything for you to try seeing as you don't have PCOS?

Oddly my epstrogen was fine, it was just my lh and fsh that were out of proportion and a slightly raised testosterone (1.8). My prolactin was slightly raised too at 550

Hope everything is going well for you girls! I'll let you know how the hycosy goes on Tuesday 😊