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What Causes Tingling Sensation And Swelling In The Feet Along With Body Aches?
Question: Hello, my boyfriend and I had unprotected sex October 27th. I wasn't worried because my period (which is a very regular, 28-day cycle) was supposed to come on October 30th so I was sure I had already ovulated that month.. Then my period did not come for over a week. I started spotting evening November 6th, got my period Nov 7. But it was lighter than usual, and only lasted 2 days. My periods are usually heavy (super plus tampons for the first two days at least) and last around 4 days.
Since then, I've been feeling very "pregnant" - sore breasts (although that comes and goes), lightheadedness, diziness, sensitivity to smells, vivid dreams, slight swelling of feet, tingling sensation in the feet, body aches as if I have a flue, vaginal cramping, sharp pains every now in there in the region of ovaries, lower back pains. Now, Nov 22, my breast are really big again. But the 4 pregnancy tests I've taken have all come up negative (including today). I've been to a doctor, blood test, negative, but high prolactin (128) and the feeling of being pregnant is still very strong. Last week my uterus felt so heavy.
What is happening to me? Could I still be pregnant? I have not experienced any leakage from my breats, which is supposed to happen if you have high prolactin and are not pregnant. I am really so lost. I would really appreciate any help. Thank you very much!
Since then, I've been feeling very "pregnant" - sore breasts (although that comes and goes), lightheadedness, diziness, sensitivity to smells, vivid dreams, slight swelling of feet, tingling sensation in the feet, body aches as if I have a flue, vaginal cramping, sharp pains every now in there in the region of ovaries, lower back pains. Now, Nov 22, my breast are really big again. But the 4 pregnancy tests I've taken have all come up negative (including today). I've been to a doctor, blood test, negative, but high prolactin (128) and the feeling of being pregnant is still very strong. Last week my uterus felt so heavy.
What is happening to me? Could I still be pregnant? I have not experienced any leakage from my breats, which is supposed to happen if you have high prolactin and are not pregnant. I am really so lost. I would really appreciate any help. Thank you very much!
Brief Answer:
There are no chances to be pregnant with negative test.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thank you for asking!
I can understand your situation.
If the pregnancy test is negative, than pregnancy is ecxluded. Beta hcg are very sensitive in diagnosing pregnancy.
The high prolactine level is not always associated with galactorrhea. Anyway, prolactin is very senstive to stress and in this situation is fals positive.
I would suggest to check it again, after a normal sleep and if it perists high discuss with your treating physician about the MRI of the pituitary gland.
You should also check the thyroid gland function. A high TSH can raise prolactin.
Wish you good health.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
There are no chances to be pregnant with negative test.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome and thank you for asking!
I can understand your situation.
If the pregnancy test is negative, than pregnancy is ecxluded. Beta hcg are very sensitive in diagnosing pregnancy.
The high prolactine level is not always associated with galactorrhea. Anyway, prolactin is very senstive to stress and in this situation is fals positive.
I would suggest to check it again, after a normal sleep and if it perists high discuss with your treating physician about the MRI of the pituitary gland.
You should also check the thyroid gland function. A high TSH can raise prolactin.
Wish you good health.
Kind regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Thank you Dr. Guni!
I have been reading on internet forums that some women saw negative results (both urine and blood) for several weeks and still ended up being pregnant. I don't know why would anyone be making this up but is that possible?
Also, can Zoloft (anti-depressant) somehow increase prolactin?
Also, I read you need to be awake for at least 3 hours before testing for prolactin and you also have to fast (which my obgyn didn't actually tell me to do the first time)
Secondly, what would be causing me to feel these symptoms over the past two weeks? Given my cycle the way I described. So tender enlarged breasts, dizziness, tingling and numbness in my feet and hands, smell sensitivity. slight nausea, sharp pains?
Can an ectopic pregnancy cause these?
Thank you again.
Also, does high prolactin cause enlarged and sensitive breasts?
I have been reading on internet forums that some women saw negative results (both urine and blood) for several weeks and still ended up being pregnant. I don't know why would anyone be making this up but is that possible?
Also, can Zoloft (anti-depressant) somehow increase prolactin?
Also, I read you need to be awake for at least 3 hours before testing for prolactin and you also have to fast (which my obgyn didn't actually tell me to do the first time)
Secondly, what would be causing me to feel these symptoms over the past two weeks? Given my cycle the way I described. So tender enlarged breasts, dizziness, tingling and numbness in my feet and hands, smell sensitivity. slight nausea, sharp pains?
Can an ectopic pregnancy cause these?
Thank you again.
Also, does high prolactin cause enlarged and sensitive breasts?
Brief Answer:
Yes, Zoloft may increase prolactin level.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Again,
Regarding to prolactin, yes there are studies that have confirmed that Zoloft may increase the prolactin level (after at least 6 months treatment.).
Prolactin should be checked after a quiet sleep, in fasting condition, being without Zoloft.
As you mentioned not only pregnancy test but also blood tests (HCG in blood) are negative. If it was ectopic pregnancy there would be a tendency in lowering the Beta HCG, but you have never had them raised.
So Probably is the raised prolactin level that causes the tenderness of the breast. I would still suggest to check TSH level.
Anyway, to rule out your uncertain-es you may ask for an intravaginal ultrasound.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
Yes, Zoloft may increase prolactin level.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Again,
Regarding to prolactin, yes there are studies that have confirmed that Zoloft may increase the prolactin level (after at least 6 months treatment.).
Prolactin should be checked after a quiet sleep, in fasting condition, being without Zoloft.
As you mentioned not only pregnancy test but also blood tests (HCG in blood) are negative. If it was ectopic pregnancy there would be a tendency in lowering the Beta HCG, but you have never had them raised.
So Probably is the raised prolactin level that causes the tenderness of the breast. I would still suggest to check TSH level.
Anyway, to rule out your uncertain-es you may ask for an intravaginal ultrasound.
Regards,
Dr.Mirjeta
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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