What are normal prolactin levels?

[lorla]

I have just been told I have raised prolactin levels and that may be why I haven't managed to get pregnant after 14 months of trying. The result the first time was 661mu/L then 617 mu/L the second time.....but I don't know what a normal level is and the doctor was vague to say the least. Does anyone know?

[redcrx]

http://www.sharedjour...define/prolactin.html

try googling for prolactin levels in women

[lorla]

Oh dear. Not good. Thanks redcrx.

[SizzleSquid]

one of the main reasons for raised prolacton levels are due to a tiny benign brain tumour (nothin to worry about) -i have it. The tumor-calld a micro or macroprolactinoma depeding on size-is suitated on the pituarty gland-which is responsible for prolactin secretion-it presses on it which creates higher prolactin levels-make sure you get ur GP to refer you to Endicrinology for an MRI scan to rule this out. If you do have it you will be given Cabergoline around 0.5ml once weekly to shrink tumour thus lowering prolactin levels and increasing fertility.

[SizzleSquid]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolactinoma

[Sqad]

Prolactin levels vary from one laboratory to another, so you would need to look on the blood report, what the normal variation is for that particular lab.

However...your results are within normal limits.....so no big deal.

SizzleSquid is a particular case, so don´t worry about pituitary tumours with your levels of Prolactin.

[lorla]

Thanks both, your replies are really reassuring.

The doctor did mention having an MRI scan to check for a tumour but he also mentioned that it would be benign and that it's not as scary as it sounds so I'm feeling OK about that. I already had an appointment booked with a gynacologist (sp?) next week so will discuss with him too.

It's the not being able to get pregnant that is bogging me down more. I just always imagined it would be our choice when to have a baby but in fact it's totally out of our hands and despite both feeling ready and waiting for it to happen every month for over a year, it still hasn't happened and that can feel very disappointing :(

[Sqad]

Thanks for the feedback and keep us informed.

Just to reassure you even further, your Prolactin levels need to be "sky high" before a Pituitary tumour is considered.

[lorla]

Hey all - so I saw the gynacologist and he says prolactic levels aren't high enough to worry about and the fact that my periods are regular means it's unlikely to be a prob. Good news! I have however been booked in for Lap & Dye in November. Not going to worry about it despite it sounding rather scary. Just wondering if anyone knows what the recovery period is? Will I be able to go straight back to work? Will I be sore?

[Sqad]

lorla....I have been thinking about you and thanks for the feedback.
Lap and dye "might" be a little uncomfortable but you will be able to go home on the same day. You may have pain under the shoulders and around the incision, but this can easily be controlled with Ibuprofen.
You might need 3or 4 days off work.

[lorla]

That's really helpful thanks Sqad. I finally told my boss yesterday who was starting to wonder why all the doctors appt and blood tests! She was very understanding and has been through some similar stuff so was actually really good to speak to. Op is on a Tues so I said I thought I might need the rest of the week off so that feels about right, thanks. I'll let you know how I get on although it's a way off yet. I have to have my progesterone levels checked first.