prolactin

[Bonnie]

Hi all,

Happy new year to everyone, and hopes for a healthier 2012.

I have just returned back from a 3 week vacation with family in Tuscany to a letter from my GP.  I had some blood tests before Christmas as I have not had my period since September.

The blood tests have come back and apparently I have very low oestrogen and high prolactin >2000.  the Dr said normal is 6.5.  I have had further tests and will have to return in 3 weeks.

Has anyone else had a high prolactin reading?  I am guessing this may be causing some of my other issues.

The Dr is going to check my meds to see if any of them could cause this (I am thinking the domperidone may be the culprit for the loss of period, but the low libido predates any meds)

[susan]

Pituitary adenomas are fairly common; some secrete hormones such as prolactin, growth hormone, etc.
Mine secretes growth hormone & was diagnosed (finally!) with an MRI.
Usually prolactinomas are treated medically and often shrink up nicely!

[lolo1979]

That is an interesting finding, as I have read a few different articles/studies that say sjogrens patients tend to have higher levels of prolactin than controls.  Wonder if it's a causative factor, or more the result?!

[cargillwitch]

I am actually a lactation consultant- domperondone is the number one prescription for moms having problems producing enough breastmilk. It assists by increasing prolactin levels- so if you are taking this med for stomach issues you may have found the cause!

[ohiolady]

I was just going to say what Cargillwatch stated.  It is the domperidone.  I, also, take domperidone for gastroparesis and am sure mine is high.  I had a hysterectomy years ago so do not have periods. 

Does anyone know if the domperidone lowers your estrogen levels?  Just curious since yours are low.

Anna

[Bonnie]

Thanks Cargillwatch, I read the PIL for domperidone and it does state the it may stop periods. 

I have also been told by my GP to decrease the amount of domperidone.  apparently they had been contacted by the manufacturer to say that there are now new dosage limits.

I had been taking it 20mg 3 times a day.  I am now taking 10mg 3 times a day.

I guess the low oestrogen high prolactin may explain the low libido.

[ohiolady]

Bonnie,

I take 60 mgs of domperidone a day.  Do you mind saying what state your doctor is in?   My Cleveland Clinic physician prescribes mine and I can't imagine getting by on 30 mg a day.  How severe is your gastroparesis?

Anna

[Bonnie]

Hi Anna,

I am in the UK (scotland)
I have been struggling for a year with uncontrolable acid reflux (I also developed a hiatus hernia at the beginning of 2011)

I got to the stage I couldn't eat anything without vomitting, it has been under control with the 40mg of nexium and the 60mg of domperidone and a really strict diet. I also sleep on a foam wedge.

I am on day 3 of the lower amount of domperidone and yesterday had some issues, not sure how this is going to work out.

I am going back to see the gastro next month so will need to talk to him, maybe if they fix the hernia this would relieve some of my problems.

I also am experiencing some cramps, but It may be all in my imagination I wouldn't think that cutting down meds for 2 days would be enough for me to start menstruating again.

Wow I am so glad that we checked with the drs' we were just beginning to think that I was through menopause and wouldn't need birth control anymore 

[ohiolady]

Very interesting.  I know my breasts are much fuller on the domperidone.  Good luck to you as I know these stomach issues are pretty miserable.

Anna

[irish]

Years ago I took the antidepressant Wellbutrin. I had to quit because my breasts swelled up and I was experiencing the "let down" feeling that one gets when you breast feed.

My psychiatric got a few chuckles out of that cause I have such oddball reactions and he had never had anyone who had that reaction. I am wondering if this would cause higher prolactin levels. Irish