Loss of smell and raised prolactlin level

[chelan2]

I'm a 36 yr old female and I recently realized I lost my sense of smell. I've also been having some stabbing pains once in a while in the side of my head. I also had a hysterectomy (TAH) a few years ago because of a borderline ovarian cancer. I've had regular follow-ups since the Ov. ca. and have had no problems. My family dr took some blood work and head x-rays.  X-rays were normal but the blood work showed an increased  prolactin level of 67.  He was a little concerned although he said it wasn't that high and is sending me for a CT scan.  He wants to check for a brain tumor, he seemed to be focusing more on a pitutiary tumor.  

Is my prolactin level very high (I thought normal went up to 20)?  I know my dr is being cautious, but how much do I need to be concerned about it being a serious brain tumor.  Wouldn't I be having more serious symptoms?



Thank you for your time.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

The most common cause of loss of smell is a cold/flu, or sinus disease. However, in a small number of cases, and in association with other findings such as headache, or an increased prolactin, one should be evaluated for a mass in the frontal lobes or at the base of the brain. Slow growing masses may not cause problems for a long time. Increased prolatin is associated with pituitary gland tumors, which are common, benign (that is, usually not invasive) but grow slowly and can cause compressive symptoms over time to closeby structures like smell and vision. There are several other causes of increased prolactin such as drugs, kidney problems, pregnancy etc, but a pituitary tumor should always be excluded. If present, and it is large enoiugh to warrant removal, it can be done minimally invasively through keyhole surgery via the nose.

An MRI scan is the scan of choice, not a CT scan.



Good luck

[chelan2]

I also forgot to mention that shortly prior to lossing my sense of smell for a few days everywhere I was it smelled weird.  The only way I could describe it was that it smelled like something was on fire but there wasn't and no one else could this weird smell but me.  Also in the year or so I've had some trouble with my memory and in particular at times finding the right word. For ex. I could look at a soccer field but couldn't find the right words to say it.  I thought it might be because of the "instant menapause" from the surgery but it's just in the last year that this has happened and it's only happened about 10 times or so.

Chelan

[cacklebunny]

Chelan:



Sorry to hear about your issue.  Earlier this year, I also noticed a markedly diminished sense of taste/smell, which came on suddenly.



Did yours come on suddenly, or was it a gradual thing?  Is your sense of smell totally gone or is it diminished?



Take care.

[chelan2]

It seemed to happen all of a sudden. My sense of smell was totally gone for over 2 months though I now can smell some, but am definitely not back to normal.  I hope that my smell/taste will fully return.



You should talk to your dr about your loss - I never thought that this symptom could be serious.  It's always good to be cautious.



Chelan

[aisangrl]

Hello everybody. I am a 28 year old female who has elevated prolactin levels for quite some time.. I have had my prolactin levels checked five or six times now. About two weeks ago it was at 65.6 I have always been anemic as well. I dont know what FSH means but it was low as well (3.3) so was my WBC (4.14) and my iron (22). I just had an MRI done to rule out a tumor on my pituitary gland. The MRI results stated that.... Left sphenoid sinus retention cyst otherwise normal MRI of the brain and pituitary gland. My gyn. doctor did some tests a few years back and stated that I only had one functioning overy and that I was not ovulating correctly? Trying to explain the wacked menstural cycles I have been having. ( ON a week, off a week, then on again). I was reading about some people lossing their smell, but with my lately I have been smelling weird things.. Like I swore it smelled like somebody was baking cookies, but nobody was home but me.?? thought i was going crazy. I sense of smell has been screwed up.I dunno if this has anything to do with the elevated prolactin levels. If anybody can help I would really appreciate it.