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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes High Prolactin Levels?

I have high prolactin levels (45-75) and have been post menopausal for 7 years. I have breast pain, galactorrhea, headaches 24/7/365 due to the microprolactinoma 1x2x3 mm. I eliminated any meds that could increase the levels four years ago. I only take atenolol and Panhematin for AIPorphyria. Ideas on foods that might drive the levels up?
Fri, 28 Oct 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome.

Based on the history given in your case, the high prolactin levels (Hyperprolactinemia) appears to be due the tumor (microprolactinoma) arising from the pituitary gland in your brain.

The prescribed medications Atenolol and Panhematin are not known to increase the levels of Prolactin in your case.

Since you are suffering from breast pain, galactorrhea, headaches which appear to be due the microprolactinoma, you need to take certain medications like Bromocriptine or Cabergoline after consulting an endocrinologist.

These medications not only lower the prolactin production but also decrease the tumor size. After at least 2 years of treatment, if you no longer have the tumor and high prolactin levels, you may be able to slowly lower the dose or even stop taking the medicine.

In case if the Prolactin level remains high or the tumor does not shrink then the microprolactinoma needs to be surgically removed.
Regarding the foods and high Prolactin levels:

Avoid foods like hCG diet, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, chickpeas, liquorice products as their consumption might increase the Prolactin level.

There are certain foods which may decrease the Prolactin levels and hence may be taken like fish, oatmeals, chaste berries, & pomegranate.

Hope this answers your query.
Best wishes.
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What Causes High Prolactin Levels?

Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome. Based on the history given in your case, the high prolactin levels (Hyperprolactinemia) appears to be due the tumor (microprolactinoma) arising from the pituitary gland in your brain. The prescribed medications Atenolol and Panhematin are not known to increase the levels of Prolactin in your case. Since you are suffering from breast pain, galactorrhea, headaches which appear to be due the microprolactinoma, you need to take certain medications like Bromocriptine or Cabergoline after consulting an endocrinologist. These medications not only lower the prolactin production but also decrease the tumor size. After at least 2 years of treatment, if you no longer have the tumor and high prolactin levels, you may be able to slowly lower the dose or even stop taking the medicine. In case if the Prolactin level remains high or the tumor does not shrink then the microprolactinoma needs to be surgically removed. Regarding the foods and high Prolactin levels: Avoid foods like hCG diet, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, chickpeas, liquorice products as their consumption might increase the Prolactin level. There are certain foods which may decrease the Prolactin levels and hence may be taken like fish, oatmeals, chaste berries, & pomegranate. Hope this answers your query. Best wishes.