High Prolactin and MRI

Hi. So I'm on my first Clomid/IUI cycle we are unexplained. My BW showed slightly elevated Prolactin for a second time. Normal is under 30 and mine is 39. They don't seem too concerned but said I need an MRI to rule out tumors on the pituitary gland. Anyone have high Prolactin and have an MRI? If so what was it like? I never had an MRI. If it comes back that I don't have any tumors do you think I will be put on meds for high Prolactin or 39 isn't high enough to go on meds? MRI scheduled for Thursday at Zwanger Psiri in Plainview... How long does it take your RE to get the results from your MRI? I have my CD 10 BW and Sono on Saturday. Thanks for your help.

Re: High Prolactin and MRI

I have/had really high prolactin levels and actually had surgery to have a pituitary tumor removed a few months back, so I have had plenty of these MRIs and they are not bad, so don't sweat it! Basically you lay down and they put you into this tube sort of thing for about 40 minutes with plastic thingies on the sides of your head to keep you in place (you have to stay super-still). Usually midway through they bring you out and inject you with galodinium which is the contrast that allows them to see into your brain. They have the scans right away and at my place they will give me a copy of the CD containing the images and will also send a copy to my doctor, so the doctor should have it within a day or two. The MRI people will also put together a report of their findings which will take a few more days for your doctor to get.

I think they will probably put you on bromocriptine or cabergoline regardless of whether there is a tumor to increase your chances of having the Clomid/IUI working successfully. The way it was explained to me is that the high prolactin works against the Clomid so you want your prolactin in the normal range (ideally around 25) so the Clomid can do its job without any interference. But who knows -- my prolactin is still way above normal but I'm still starting my first Provera/Clomid cycle and hoping for the best! Feel free to FM me with questions!

Good luck

Re: High Prolactin and MRI

Posted by LC11

I have/had really high prolactin levels and actually had surgery to have a pituitary tumor removed a few months back, so I have had plenty of these MRIs and they are not bad, so don't sweat it! Basically you lay down and they put you into this tube sort of thing for about 40 minutes with plastic thingies on the sides of your head to keep you in place (you have to stay super-still). Usually midway through they bring you out and inject you with galodinium which is the contrast that allows them to see into your brain. They have the scans right away and at my place they will give me a copy of the CD containing the images and will also send a copy to my doctor, so the doctor should have it within a day or two. The MRI people will also put together a report of their findings which will take a few more days for your doctor to get.

I think they will probably put you on bromocriptine or cabergoline regardless of whether there is a tumor to increase your chances of having the Clomid/IUI working successfully. The way it was explained to me is that the high prolactin works against the Clomid so you want your prolactin in the normal range (ideally around 25) so the Clomid can do its job without any interference. But who knows -- my prolactin is still way above normal but I'm still starting my first Provera/Clomid cycle and hoping for the best! Feel free to FM me with questions!

Good luck