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Does Ledapro Have A Effect On The Prolactin Levels?

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Posted on Fri, 9 Jan 2015
Question: I have high prolactin levels, my cycles are irregular they vary between 23 to 42 days. I had ovulation predicted by ovulation kits for 3 consecutive months and I ovulated. Every month I have CM, my period lasts 3 days and it is not heavy at all. Normally I have light to spotty periods with some skin like discharge, not clots, but thin skin like discharge. In addition, I went to my OB and she said I should try to conceive for at least a year since my other hormones were fine, just prolactin high, and we don't know the cause yet. I don't have any breast discharge and my OB said that she has seen people with higher prolactin levels than mine but that "could" hinder conception. Another info that I find relevant is that I have been taking Lexapro 10 mg for 4 years. Could that be increasing my prolactin levels? I have been advised by my acupuncturist to diminish the Lexapro doses until I can be completely off it. I have been taking 5 mg for 5 days now. If Lexapro is increasing my prolactin levels, by diminishing progressively the dose, will my prolactine levels progressively decrease as well? more or less proportionally? How would it impact my ability to conceive? Other related questions: How soon should I do an OTC pregnancy test if I never know when is my expected period? Should I wait until my latest time frame of 42 days and then take the pregnancy test? Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
LEXAPRO AFFECTS PROLACTIN

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
With irregular cycles, ovulation predictor kits are not reliable.
It is best to go for follicular monitoring ( serial scans ) to document ovulation.
Yes, if you fail to conceive after trying for a year, only then should further investigations be done.
But yes, what you can do is try and remain sexually active every alternate day, starting from the 10th day of your periods, that way ovulation is surely covered.
The problem would arise if you are not ovulating, that can only be documented by follicular monitoring.
Yes, Lexapro does increase prolactin levels, which in turn, impact both regular cycles and regular ovulation.
It would impact your ability to conceive by increased prolactin levels.
By diminishing dosage of Lexapro, yes, levels would come to normal gradually.
Since you never know when to take a test, best wait till your longest time frame of 42 days and then take it.
Take care.
Please feel free to discuss further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (44 hours later)
Thank you for the answer doctor.

I have a follow up question: the presence of egg textured cervical mucus means that the woman is going to ovulate? Is cervical mucus directly linked to ovulation?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
YES.

Detailed Answer:
Generally around ovulation, the cervical mucus becomes egg white like in consistency.
You can actually stretch it between two fingers like a thread.
Yes, cervical mucus is linked to ovulation.
With irregular cycles though, you should not rely much on that.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (7 hours later)
Why with irregular cycles I should not rely on cervical mucus?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
NOT CONFIRMATORY.

Detailed Answer:
Because this sign is not 100 Percent confirmatory of ovulation.
It can be misinterpreted, because the ONLY confirmatory test of ovulation is seeing ovulation actually happening on the ultrasound scan via follicular monitoring.
Take care.
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Aarti Abraham

OBGYN

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 6004 Questions

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Does Ledapro Have A Effect On The Prolactin Levels?

Brief Answer: LEXAPRO AFFECTS PROLACTIN Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for writing to us with your health concern. With irregular cycles, ovulation predictor kits are not reliable. It is best to go for follicular monitoring ( serial scans ) to document ovulation. Yes, if you fail to conceive after trying for a year, only then should further investigations be done. But yes, what you can do is try and remain sexually active every alternate day, starting from the 10th day of your periods, that way ovulation is surely covered. The problem would arise if you are not ovulating, that can only be documented by follicular monitoring. Yes, Lexapro does increase prolactin levels, which in turn, impact both regular cycles and regular ovulation. It would impact your ability to conceive by increased prolactin levels. By diminishing dosage of Lexapro, yes, levels would come to normal gradually. Since you never know when to take a test, best wait till your longest time frame of 42 days and then take it. Take care. Please feel free to discuss further.