High prolactin with no apparent tumour

[MAIZIEP]

I am on NDT and seem well controlled but my prolactin level was 2250 on first testing which apparently was not supposed to be over 100. I am 64 years of age and my CT scan showed no apparent tumour. I do run hot and am on HRT ( uterogestan 200mgs and sandera gel 1.5) but have no other symptoms . My question is can this affect my hypothyroidism?. Thank you

[NotSeenThisBefore]

This must be worrying for you.

Yes it might be connected to your hypothyroidism. If your thyroid levels aren’t right this can affect prolactin levels. Do you have recent thyroid function levels ?

What other pituitary hormones have been tested? Eg FSH LH.

When my daughter was being investigated for suspected Prolactinoma we were told they are not always visible on scan & sometimes Drs treat as if they were present.

Have you had a MRI scan with contrast?

[Jazzw]

HRT can raise prolactin levels but not usually by that much. Other medications that can raise prolactin levels include opioid painkillers, antidepressants and some blood pressure medication, e.g. verapamil.

That said, your level of prolactin is higher than would be expected if it was solely due to something else you’re taking,

What time of day did you have the test? They say not to have it too close to a heavy meal (as that can raise prolactin levels) and not within 3 hours of rising (as sleeping raises prolactin levels—who knew?)

It can also be a sign that your hypothyroidism is not being optimally treated—but this could be a chicken and egg situation in that if you do have a prolactinoma, a pituitary issue may have originally caused your thyroid issue.

[MAIZIEP in reply to Jazzw]

Thank you . I had the test early morning. It was repeated and was 880 the next time. I am not taking any of the treatments mentioned. I don't think they are going to do anything about it as I don't have major symptoms. Is there anything I can or should do to help myself?

[SlowDragon Administrator]

hyperprolactinoma relatively common with Hashimoto’s

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/915...