Diagnosed with hypothyroidism after raised prolactin levels.

[BlackQueen]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 12 years ago. The first symptom was a raised prolactin level. Bloods repeated showed a slight fall in prolactin but TFT's all out. Over the years I have been on as little as 25mcg and as high as 150mcg. I am now on 75mcg a day. I have put on weight particularily around my upper abdomen so I look pregnant (I'm 57, no wonder people give me funny looks). I can cope with anything but the sweating. The slightest exertion leaves me looking like I've just got out of the shower and I drip on everything. Having read other questions and answers, sweating seems to be a constant theme but I cannot find anything that explains why or how raised prolactin levels are linked to an underactive thyroid. Does anyone know? Any knowledge no matter how little appreciated. Thank you.

[Inna]

Hi. They are linked through pituitory gland (at the base of your brain), produces Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) (along with many other hormones), which stimulates your thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. TSH acts back on the pituitary gland and stimulates it to produce prolactin. So if you have high TSH, you'll have high prolactin, and vice versa. Basically, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism can be related to both low and high levels of prolactin.

I also have hyperprolactinemia and hypothyroidism. Been diagnosed for about 4 years. Recently my gyn sent me to make an MRI of the brain because my prolactin levels just wouldn't go down on the meds. The MRI revealed the cause of that - microadenoma (prolactinoma). It secrets more prolactin into my bloodstream than I need. My doctor prescribed Cabergoline for it. At the moment my prolactin levels dropped significantly. Hope I managed to shed some light on your question. Be well!

[wall]

thank you for this post I find so interesting ...at 79 I suffer this sweating more first thing in the morning it is dreadful and my mattress is marked through this happening to me, as you are hot and sweat all over beads of sweat on the forehead ...just every where and it is quite distressing ...so it would seem you have an answer ..I am weary for years not finding an answer and docs not fully understanding what you try explain ...I always thought because of other issues I have it was the body fighting something once again ..(hormones )....I shall be reading more on the subject now .......I wish you to feel much better in health so very precious to us ....God Bless you ....

[BlackQueen]

Thank you both for your input. Just by reading the other posts on here I have discovered that I should not be taking my thyroxine with my tea in the morning. I just shove them all in with my Ramipril and Furosomide and a couple of Fluoxetine for good measure. Does anyone know if Levothyroxine interacts with Ramipril, Furosomide and Fluoxetine. I did read the patient information leaflet (12 years after I should have done) but says nothing about those drugs. Is anyone else taking the combination of drugs I am?

[Lgrant in reply to BlackQueen]

I don't know about that specific combination, but I do know that fluoxetine inhibits dopamine, and when dopamine is inhibited your prolactin levels go up. Hypothyroidism is always associated with higher prolactin levels. So basically between the hypothyroidism and the Fluoxetine, you are creating very high prolactin levels. you should probably not be taking the fluoxetine at the same time you are taking your thyroid meds, and I would talk to your doctor about the synergistic effects of them.