Prolactinoma questions

[itoosly]

Hi, I'm a 36 year old female who just got an elevated Prolactin level back on a blood test. My endo ordered this after hearing my symptoms, which included:
-swollen, tender breasts
-shortened menstrual cycle
-headaches
-hot flashes
-night sweats
-loss of libido
-dark line of melasma on my upper lip (& patches on my forehead)<-- this is something that's only supposed to happen to pregnant women!
I'm hoping to hear what other Prolactinoma patients experienced, as far as symptoms. I'm especially interested in your visual symptoms. Here are mine:
-fairly sudden decline in visual acuity (never had to have glasses, but became distinctly nearsighted in last 2 years)
-blurred vision
-poorer night vision
-strange "dark spots" appear in visual field upon certain orientations of the head (angling head downwards & rocking head left to right).
Did any of you who turned out to have a prolactinoma experience anything like the symptoms I've listed above?
I look forward to hearing what your experiences have been! I'm actually kind of happy to have a possible (treatable) diagnosis to explain the weirdness that I've been through over the past three years. I've been weak, tired, achy, and  just haven't been myself! I know prolactinomas can mess with all sorts of hormones by pressing on your pituitary.

One other thing I'd love to hear about if anyone's been through it: I had shingles along my T4 dermatome area back when I was 21. I've heard bits about prolactin levels being messed up in people who've had shingles involving the chest wall. So if anyone's had that diagnosis, along with high prolactin levels, let me know, as well.

Thanks in advance!

[rumpled]

Hello.
I had a prolactinoma as well (and Cushing's.). Your symptoms are consistent except I would think the eyesight is just a random thing as only if the lesion is large would it effect sight and then only peripheral vision.

If it turns out you have one and you need testing as it can be raised by medication, thyroid and many other things, I suggest you find a pituitary center and get followed there. Get copied of everything. If a tumor it can be treated with medication and more respond to medication. It pays to have a good doc so no one takes you off the meds and you are followed for any changes.

As for the shingles, I got them too, twice. I don't know if it is directly related except that pit patient often have somewhat impaired immune systems but not usually from a prolactinoma as that does not effect the body in the same way as the other hormones so another reason to get a good check.

[itoosly]

Thanks, rumpled! I'll post back here once I've got a clearer diagnosis. My doc is currently re-testing my prolactin level as well as having a macro prolactin test done.