anyone here know about pituitary adenoma?

For about the past four years, I’ve been lactating despite the fact that I’m not pregnant, nursing, or on the Pill. When it first started, I went to my primary care physician, who tested my prolactin levels and thyroid function. He decided to increase my dose of Synthroid/Levoxyl, as I have had hypothyroidism since I was six. The lactation didn’t go away, but I figured everything was hunky-dory.

A couple days ago, I went in for a standard gynecological exam (I despise these and hadn’t had one in six years). When I informed the gyn about the lactation issue, she asked whether my doctor had ordered a CT scan. I told her no, and she told me that it was possible I could have a pituitary adenoma.

From researching it on the net, it doesn’t look that severe. However, I did run across warnings that it can cause optical problems and can sometimes bleed into the brain. I did go to the doctor today and get my blood drawn to check my prolactin and TSH (thyroid stimulant hormone).

Frankly, I don’t think much of my primary care doctor, and I’m not sure what to make of his (non) reaction to this. I’m normally quite healthy, so I’ve never bothered to look for another one. However, the gynecologist seemed to think I should be kind of “pushy” about treatment, and from what I’ve read online, I can’t say that I care for the idea of something growing in my brain, regardless of how benign it is.

Anyone here have any input or experience with this condition?

Sorry, no experience. But maybe you can change primary care doctors or get a specialist referral from your OBGYN. I wouldn’t want to just blow it off. Managed health care sucks, don’t it?

Yeah, I just had a patient who was lactating up a storm, and his levels were sky-high. MRI showed a pituitary adenoma.

Here’s a useful (and accurate) site that can help you wade thru it. A lot depends on your level of prolactin in the blood.

http://www.fpnotebook.com/END150.htm