Prolactin is high? AIBU?

[prettyinpink23x]

Hi everyone,

I’ve started to get very irregular periods. I’m currently 3 months late and I was 2 months late before this. I’m not pregnant, I don’t have PCOS and I’m in my 20s.

GP tested my blood and all was normal except my prolactin was 485 mu/L which is slightly elevated.

The GP says they don’t think that the prolactin level is significant and won’t be causing my missed periods.

AIBU to seek a second opinion and get my prolactin retested/ ask for further tests or should I just leave it? I’m having all the PMS symptoms every month but nothing happens.

What other tests did you have? Any other investigations for the lack of periods?
I just had a result of 650, I have bleeding all time though. They said I need it repeated, but no idea after that. X

I have high prolactin with regular periods- however I was referred for an MRI and it was discovered I have a benign pituitary adenoma. No surgery but now take medication to lower prolactin levels ( half a tablet once a week). I think it’s worth asking for further tests.

Did you have any symptoms? How did you come across the high prolactin?
were you worried?
I hope my repeat test is normal. I’ve heard stress can make it high, and I’m scared of having my bloods taken so I was anxious on the morning xx

DD has had raised prolactin since teen (discovered when periods didn't start)

Have you have any discharge from nipples OP (lactating) or any vision issues?

Definitely worth a second opinion in my view as if it is a prolactinoma then can cause issues with mood, vision, fertility etc..

MRI scan and blood test should confirm and as PP say - prescription of Dostinex (cabergoline) can help along with regular checks with endocrinologist - once diagnosed usually MRI twice a year plus regular blood tests

If pituitary tumour advanced (say pressing on optic nerve) then surgical interventions can also help.

Good luck OP

I had no symptoms, it was picked up through blood testing while trying to conceive. Aside from the yearly MRIs I have to endure, I really don’t have any issues. I wouldn’t worry, like others have said there are interventions surgical/ non surgical which successfully remedy the issue.

I had high prolactin and irregular periods (2/3 a year) and it was what led to my diagnosis of pre PCOS. (ie. before any cysts actually appear). I know you say you do not have PCOS, but how was this ruled out? Did they check your testosterone levels? My PCOS started when i was 28.

I would be asking for either further blood tests or a referral to endocrinology for further investigations. Having less than 2 periods a year over a long period can lead to longer term issues such as increased risk of ovarian / endometrial cancer etc, so it's important to work out what is going on.

It’s not a particularly high prolactin. I think reasonable to repeat and check not rising. It can be raised due to stress though (and some people just have a slightly higher baseline - hence repeating to figure out what is “normal” for you).

Is it an urgent thing? Im panciking as I go away a few weeks after my repeat bloods xx

Not urgent

Thankyou everyone for your replies really appreciated.

@YorkshireTeaCup wow I’d never heard of that that’s very interesting. I had a pelvic ultrasound which is normal so they told me they ruled out PCOS. Yes I do agree I think I should ask for repeat bloods now you have mentioned it. I agree too I think it can lead to worse things but they are being very relaxed.

@tunadelights no discharge or vision issues but I am similar to your DD I also didn’t start my periods until I was 17. Thankyou for your reply it has encouraged me to get a second opinion about a possible prolactinoma.

@Caneparrot thankyou for your reply, I agree I am going to ask for a repeat of my bloods.

@Maze76 thankyou for the reassurance.

@Mrsworried1 no other symptoms just the missed period. I’ve had bloods to check for thyroid issues etc but all normal apart from my prolactin being raised. I also had a pelvic ultrasound which didn’t identify any cysts or PCOS.

@prettyinpink23x for info - you might want to have a read of the NHS PCOS page. This is what is says:

"Diagnosis criteria

A diagnosis of PCOS can usually be made if other rare causes of the same symptoms have been ruled out and you meet at least 2 of the following 3 criteria:

• you have irregular periods or infrequent periods – this indicates that your ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulate)
• blood tests showing you have high levels of "male hormones", such as testosterone (or sometimes just the signs of excess male hormones, even if the blood test is normal)
• scans showing you have polycystic ovaries

As only 2 of these need to be present to diagnose PCOS, you will not necessarily need to have an ultrasound scan before the condition can be confirmed."

@Maze76 Hi also in the same boat was just wondering when you done your MRI that showed the pituitary adenoma was it done with a contrast dye or without ? And did the MRI only look at the pituary gland or was it a MRI of your whole head/ brain .

@watermelonsugarmum Hi, it’s Maze but I can’t log into that account so answering in my backup. I had a contrast MRI and the scan was of my brain not just the pituitary.