high prolactin level

[mollie225]

My doctor recently didextensive blood work and found that my prolactin level is high. I go for a brain MRI at the end of Sept. I am looking for some insight...I'm 44 and not lactating and I'v had a hysterectomy...could the levels being high mean a tumor? Just looking for an opinion.
Thanks, Mollie

[rumpled]

What lab work has been done - renin and aldosterone - any others? And what about your sodium and potassium - those basic tests can point to issues as well.

Did you get comprehensive adrenal testing from androgens on up?

[mollie225]

I had the MRI done and it confirmed that I have a small ( 4mm) tumor. I also have a tumor on my adrenal gland that's not producing hormones but I wonder if my bp issues are related to the tumors playing off each other?

[rumpled]

That is great - but it still pays to be a well-aware patient. Pit tumors can cause the adrenal to enlarge and may cause a lesion there, so they have to look for/at both sources. It can be pretty complex. I know in my case my testing was pretty inconclusive as to source so you have to test test test.

Since you are military, you are eligible for NIH - and I would push that option. The docs and surgeons there are top notch too!

[mollie225]

the doctors I have are military so they're good..they are doing more extensive blood tests also because they've found a tumor on my adrenal gland also. Thanks so much...
Mollie

[rumpled]

The MRI is one step - but really other hormones can mess with prolactin and so finding a tumor may or may not be related - as other tumors or hormones can mess with prolactin.

Do get copies of your testing and make sure you get a LOT of testing - research and get a great doc. Time of testing is critical for some tests and lab handling kept my diagnosis at bay for years! So it pays to know.

Some things can be minor and be controlled with meds - just keep on top of it.

[mollie225]

Thanks so much for your insight! My level was 20.1 the doctor said the normal range is 3-16.5.. I know 20.1 isn't severe but I'm still kinda worried. I'm having uncontrolled bp and now my blood sugars are all over the place too..I'm also in constant pain.  Again thanks for your help!
Mollie

[rumpled]

It could be - and I hope the doctor ordered a proper MRI (as in a dynamic pituitary MRI so with and without contrast and images taken as contrast as given).

Lactation is not the only symptom of prolactinoma - but it is the main one. Hormones can mess with the cycle (which is not an issue now) and mood. They can also make you ache and give you headaches.

Elevated prolactin levels can also be caused by a number of other things - thyroid and other things, so it has to be investigated carefully. I hope you are working with a very competent endo, if not a neuro-endo.

How high is high? BTW range is not always an indication of tumor - my level was barely over, and I had one too.