no period 6 months after bc & pituitary microadenoma

[nena308]

MRI and CAT Scan were also done for diagnosing- follow-up MRIs are done yearly and my levels checked periodically. I am blessed - last November I went in for MRI and it showed my adenoma had shrunk!!!!

[missterra]

I haven't had a period since March. The 1st time I saw my OBGYN, she told me to get back on birth control to regulate it. I didn't like that answer, so I didn't do it. I wanted to see if I would start at some point. June came and still no period. I saw her again and we did blood tests. My prolactin levels were very high on several tests. She wanted me to get an MRI to rule out a pituitary tumor, but it came back positive. I'm in the process of seeing a specialists - have doctor referrals coming. I'm hoping meds will shrink or regulate the tumor and help me feel better. I feel very fatigued, something I think I've always felt along with other symptoms. It's been 3 days since the diagnosis and I don't know how freaked out I should be. I need to see the endocrinologist (say that 3 times fast) ASAP. Thanks for your information everyone and good luck! If you show me your future updates, I'll show you mine.

[bradcapo2]

This is an interesting post.. thank you for sharing



taux pret auto - taux pret auto differe selon la rise en compte ... calculent automatiquement le taux pour un prêt automobile donne.

[Deliliah]

seriously i dont know too much about the condition to comment but one thing i do know for sure is that if you are not comfortable with your doctor there is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion or if you feel your doctor is not on the same level as you it might be worth looking for a new one and allways remember research your physicians we live a very dangerous world today

[Candi Cat]

Thank you all for posting! I too have been diagnosed with a darn pituitary tumor and it helps to hear from others. My tumor is considered a macro tumor because it is 1.3 mm big and my doc doesn't sound positive that the meds will shrink it. He has mentioned surgery which scares me but I'll do it to have a baby. Does anyone know anything about the surgery to remove it? The crazy thing is, after being on bromocriptine for a month my prolactin levels went down to zero and my doc was sure I'd get my period back, it has been 2 more months and no luck. I know you all understand how frustrating it is to just have to wait...and hope...

[Macrowoman]

I was also diagnosed with a macro-adenoma. It was a few years ago (1996) and I had the surgery. From what I can recall, the go through one nostril and through the sinus cavity to where the pituitary gland sits and remove the tumor.
I was in the hospital for a few days (probably fewer days now) and home. Unfortunately, they weren't able to get it all and I was put on bromocriptine for several years. After maybe about 5 years, I was switched to Dostinex and I have been on that for a few years.
The surgery is nothing to be nervous about. I think the only restriction I had for a few months after was not blowing my nose .

I have a question for the people wanting to get pregnant:

I recently (a year ago) went off the birth control pill and I haven't had a period at all. My prolactin levels are normal (<21) and my doctor is unsure why.
I am 31 now and I don't want to go back on the bc pill. My doctor said I shouldn't either.
How does one know if they're ovulating without a period?
Any advice?

[hunty46]

I figured I'd contribute my story too...

I was diagnosed w/ a pituitary microadenoma about 11 years ago (I was 21). I had breast leakage, so that led me to the doctor. My prolactin level then was about 150. Within the first year, I was put on bromocriptine (3.75 mg/day) which did a pretty good job regulating it. I have bloodwork and MRI's regularly (I think the MRI was every 2 years). My tumor is still there, it's just not getting bigger which is key. I was on the birth control pill from age 17 to about 6 months ago. I went off the pill to hopefully become "regular" in time to start trying for pregnancy around now. Unfortunately, I haven't had my period back yet. I went to see both my endocrinologist and gynocologist a few times so far, tried progesterone (which didn't work) and increased my bromocriptine to 5mg/day. My prolactin level, last weekend, was 20...which is on the higher end of normal, but normal. I am going to see a reproductive endocrinologist next week to see what he suggest my next step be. One of my main concerns is just getting my period, which is important in terms of osteoporosis. One doctor said I could try increasing the bromocriptine again, to see if it helps my period come back, or I can try Clomid (a fertility drug). I'm going to wait to see what the reproductive guys says first. I'm not necessarily rushing to get pregnant, but when I can't have something it makes me want it more so I'm ready to start trying at this point. I was told the surgery isn't so bad, to have it removed, but if there are easier options out there (increase med or take clomid)...why not try them? Anyway, I hope I can get pregnant and I'm optimistic that I will be able to one day given the fact that there are so many options out there.

I really wanted to post this for those women who seem to be getting terrible advice from their doctors. Go see someone who knows what they're talking about!

ps. One piece of advice, if you're new to taking bromocriptine, don't double up doses if you miss one. I used to do that every so often when I'd forget, and I would get crazy dizzy all while having a hot flash and a migraine-like headache. It's an awful feeling. I actually went to a neurologist once for it, only to realize myself that it was only when I doubled up the bromocriptine. My stupidity...lesson learned.

Good luck to everyone!

[klondike0]

I was told that having a micro adenoma at the pituitary gland is not a severe problem, specially if its benign. I was diagnosed 10-11 years ago. I went to see my ObGyn, Neurolgists, endocrinologist, etc. My ObGyn gave me a prescription for Bromocriptine, i had it for few months and viola, my mentsrual cycle got regulated. I got pregnant a few months after. Then the sad part, came. I cannot take my meds if I decide to have my baby. My doctors even gave me the option to terminate my prenancy or take the pain. The thing about Bromocriptine, if you missed a day or two w/o it, (for me) you'll experience the most terrible migrane ever! Of course, i kept my baby and sacrificed 4months of excruciating migrane, sensitivity to light, no apetite, vomitting, etc etc...

Now when i see my 9 y/o daughter, and its all worthwhile. HOwever, after giving birth to her, my period stopped again. i wanted to start off w/ bromocriptine again, and still wanted to have another baby but, am afraid to go over the pain.

Oh well... i thought of sharing my dilemma now... any comments or advice will be appreciated

[lbruinlane]

I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor about 10 years ago while I was still in high school. I took the Bromocriptine 2.5mg for about 2 years until I was told the tumor was gone. My periods did somewhat regulate after (I would at least get it once every 40 days or so). Fast forward 10 years later and my husband and I are having problems getting pregnant. I did test my proactin level and it was within normal limits, but my periods are still ridiculously irregular. I am scheduled to meet with my obgyn soon and she said we would discuss starting me on Clomid. Does taking Clomid greaten the chance to get another tumor?

[kara719728]

I have been on Carbergoline for a year now after having a prolactin level of 2883 which went down to 76. I still have not had a proper period only two episodes of spotting. I really want it to come back so I can have a baby. All my other hormone levels have been fine. Any ideas what could be stopping it from coming back. Please reply someone I feel so upset i just want normal things to happen to me. I have an appointment with my endocrinologist in a week :-(