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Too much prolactin?

Started by Wraith, February 17, 2011, 09:40:48 PM

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Wraith

My gender psychologist seemed a bit concerned that I have a high amount of prolactin.. what could that mean?
He wouldn't answer why he was concerned about it, he just sent me home and said he would talk more about it on our next meeting.
This was actually 2 months ago, and I won't see him again until yet another month, but I just came to think about it and thought I'd check with you guys if you have any clue what that might be about. I know the functions of prolactin as a hormone, I just don't understand why it would be a concern along with this whole diagnostic assessment thing.
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Cassie

I had that as well (i'm MtF). Basically my specialist said that if it went unchecked it could cause the conditions for a tumour to form in the future - it's on the pituitary gland and would be benign but a worry nevertheless. You need to tell your GP about it; see if they will monitor it and get your prolactin levels checked regularly.

After stressing for a couple of weeks I was assured that it really wasn't life-threatening and that it could be treated with drugs if need be - just make sure it's monitored. Good luck!
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Apricot

My doctor has me on Bromacriptine because of that. I don't mind it, but I was worried at first because my laundry list of pills to take keeps getting longer. Lol, it feels like I'm a lot sicker after having been to the doctor rather than before.
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cynthialee

Prolactin is the hormone that regulates lactation.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tsu 'The art of War'
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Imadique

I always had a high reading too and recently my Endo retired (he had expressed concern about it on our previous meeting but left it to investigate after he got my blood results, then I never saw him again), when my GP took over briefly she expressed greater concern and referred me to an Endo I have yet to see thus far (couldn't get an appointment 'til march). She told me the high levels can be indicative of a tumor on the pituitary gland and unfortunately I've been having a lot of symptoms of late that seem to be pointing at that so I'm off to see her in the morning.

Anyways, not really sure if I have a point but yes, high levels are a concern related to prolactinoma (tumor on the pituitary gland that releases excess prolactin) and effects of this can include deficiencies in the other hormones secreted by the gland (commonly leading to hypothyroidism) and in bad cases blindness as the tumor grows large enough to damage the optic nerve it rests very close to. Worth keeping an eye on...
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Autumn

Hrm.  :o

I'm taking Domperidone for motility. It lowers dopamine in the body, unlike the brain as Reglan does, which happens to jack your prolactin levels up. My breasts have swollen significantly and started lactating significantly in the last week. I was kind of amused and happy, but now I'm a little concerned. Just called my endocrinologist for his take.

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cynthialee

Wow. I didnt know that about Reglan. I take the stuff daily for nausea.
So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss.
If you only know yourself, but not your opponent, you may win or may lose.
If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you will always endanger yourself.
Sun Tsu 'The art of War'
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Autumn

Wow, go you. They no longer prescribe it much due to the tardive dyskinesia side effect, and because how it makes most people want to kill themselves from what I've seen (crosses the BBB and ->-bleeped-<-s you up hardcore. Not that it makes you suicidal, just makes you want to kill yourself to get rid of the agony.) I'm happy you never had the negative side effects. I bought some from Canada (it *WAS* prescribed to me, several years ago) and, even at a tiny dose, it still jacks me sideways. I have a motility irregularity that causes immense, often painful swelling, and the inability to eat more than a bite or two without feeling full, painful, and blargh. My self esteem has been completely destroyed by walking around for months at a time looking pregnant. Though, looking like I'm pregnant, and lactating, is kind of amusing right now.

Even drinking water by itself makes me swell up sometimes, only thing that works is reglan and domperidone. Well, reglan DID work a few years ago, but didn't work this time. domperidone has been helping me, but I'm going off of it pending what my endo says. Hopefully he'll just tell me to take progesterone to counter the prolactin. Though, like I said, my boobs are so boob right now.
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matt

Hey man, I had the same problem.

Before starting T my GP ordered a blood test for me and my prolactin level was about 10 times the normal range. My GP got really concerned so I had to go back and do a second test. It also got me pretty freaked out for a week because I was worried about a possible tumour in my brain. (which my gp told me about)

I also read that prolactin is highest when you dream,  usually during REM sleep. weird thing is my whole family seems to have extra long REM sleep (I almost never have dreamless sleep), so I made sure I woke up early before my second blood test, which was in the morning. And thank god, the results came back normal and my GP was able to prescribe me T that week.

It was a scary experience...and I hope ur results come back ok next time. I definitely did not experience any lactating etc, but I am still slightly mindful of it.
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Wraith

Ahh, thanks for that info Matt, that's quite interesting. I had just recently awoke when I did my blood test, I just crawled out of bed and hit the bus. Gonna mention that when I go see them next time. I've been sleeping daytime and been up at night for many years now, which makes it problematic when I get appointments like this.
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