High prolactin.

[EndoTheRoad]

I have an increasingly-high prolactin level (80 last reading) and have been referred to an endocrinologist.

The last time I saw one (2ish years ago), I was discharged with a "normal" reading and no follow-up.

Been getting headaches - especially bad the past 2/3 months and suffering with excess tiredness. Would a tumour cause this?

Do prolactin levels rise and fall that randomly?

I'm assuming the endocrinologist will do his own test. Would I be offered an MRI?

Any responses very much appreciated.

Endo there are a number of causes of a high prolactin.

One of those is a benign, and treatable, tumour called a prolactinoma.

I know this sounds scary, but please do not panic.

Treating the high prolactin levels will make you feel less tired and will improve your libido (usually loss of libido is the first and most consistent symptom, although no-one mentions it unless asked).

Have a look at this link

endocrine.niddk.nih.gov/pubs/prolact/prolact.htm

I have it. It was constantly high: four times in a row at my GPs. I was referred to an endo who did an MRI of my pituitary. It was completely normal and so was my next prolactin reading.

What the endo said is when you have a pituitary tumour, the reading is almost always over 1000mi/u and it stays high. If you've got a tumour you won't suddenly get a normal reading as the tumour secretes the hormone constantly. It would also give you absent or irregular periods. I'm not the expert but that is what the consultant Endo told me.

The endo will test you again. As you levels fluctuate you probably don't have a tumour.

One cause of fluctuating prolactin is PCOS. That's what they dicovered I had. it's worth asking. PCOS also causes other rotten syptoms such as tiredness etc. Another cause of high prolactin is stress. Headaches and tiredness could also be part of stress....

Hope you're ok. It scared the shit out of me but I'm sure you'll be fine.

Thanks, guys.

Trying not to worry, although, it's another 6 weeks until I get to see the Endocrinologist...

Headaches are continual - as is the tiredness. There is a chance it could be stress, I guess: big move few months ago and, of course the usual worries.

I'm taking paracetamol almost daily and this is a concern in itself...