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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Exp 50 years

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What Is The Cause For Lactating Breasts With High Prolactin Levels?

I had some blood work done about 2 1/2 weeks ago. My doctor told me that my prolactin levels came back high (30.6ish). He ordered a second blood test to check it again. I m still waiting on the results. Both of my breasts are lactating too. I m not pregnant. What all could be causing this?
posted on Sun, 25 Aug 2013
Twitter Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on
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OBGYN, Maternal and Fetal Medicine,  's  Response
Hello!
Thanks for your query.
The main side effect of high prolactin levels is galactorrhea or lactating breasts.
The most common cause of high prolactin levels is prolactinoma .
A prolactinoma is a non-cancerous swelling in the pituitary gland, which makes too much of a hormone called prolactin.
You are asked to have a repeat test.
This is because prolactin levels can be affected by many other things in the body, such as sleep or stress.
It may help to take the blood sample when you are reasonably rested and have been awake for at least two hours.
The normal level of prolactin is less than 400 mU/l.
A very high prolactin level (>5000 mU/l) usually means that a prolactinoma is present.
Take care of your self
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What Is The Cause For Lactating Breasts With High Prolactin Levels?

Hello! Thanks for your query. The main side effect of high prolactin levels is galactorrhea or lactating breasts. The most common cause of high prolactin levels is prolactinoma . A prolactinoma is a non-cancerous swelling in the pituitary gland, which makes too much of a hormone called prolactin. You are asked to have a repeat test. This is because prolactin levels can be affected by many other things in the body, such as sleep or stress. It may help to take the blood sample when you are reasonably rested and have been awake for at least two hours. The normal level of prolactin is less than 400 mU/l. A very high prolactin level ( 5000 mU/l) usually means that a prolactinoma is present. Take care of your self