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What Is The Difference Between Microprolactinoma And Macro Adenoma?
Question: Hello,
I am 26 year old female and I have been diagnosed with a macroadenoma, a few years back it was a microprolactinoma, but it has grown due to being off treatment. I've had blood work done and my prolactin levels are in the high 800's. I'm going to see specialists in a couple of weeks, one suggested surgery but I'm in the process of a second opinion. My question is, if my prolactin levels are that high, does that mean that I am unable to bear children until my levels go down? If so, would I be considered to be infertile? I have never had any kids before and have not had a menstrual cycle for about 5 years now.
Thank you!
I am 26 year old female and I have been diagnosed with a macroadenoma, a few years back it was a microprolactinoma, but it has grown due to being off treatment. I've had blood work done and my prolactin levels are in the high 800's. I'm going to see specialists in a couple of weeks, one suggested surgery but I'm in the process of a second opinion. My question is, if my prolactin levels are that high, does that mean that I am unable to bear children until my levels go down? If so, would I be considered to be infertile? I have never had any kids before and have not had a menstrual cycle for about 5 years now.
Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Macroadenona need long term treatment
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concerns. You mentioned about macro adenoma. Then there was a mention about microprolactinoma. The difference is the size. Less than 1 cm is micro and more than 1 cm is macro. Microadenonas secreting prolactin are called as microprolactinomas. They shrink very well with treatment and most often disappear and we can discontinue treatment after couple of years. Where as macroadenomas secreting prolactin shrink well with treatment but may not completely go away. Most often many patients need long term treatment.
Fertility chances are low when prolactin levels are high. Once prolactin levels are down, you will start getting periods and fertility chances are better. One thing to note is that, prolactin secreting pituitary adenoma have the potential to grow during pregnancy under the influence of the hormone estrogen. Hence you need expert endocrine consultation and follow up before planning and during pregnancy.
Surgery is not required in prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas unless it is threatening vision. It will shrink very well with medicines.
Could you attach the MRI reports please?
Regards
Binu
Macroadenona need long term treatment
Detailed Answer:
Good day
Noted your concerns. You mentioned about macro adenoma. Then there was a mention about microprolactinoma. The difference is the size. Less than 1 cm is micro and more than 1 cm is macro. Microadenonas secreting prolactin are called as microprolactinomas. They shrink very well with treatment and most often disappear and we can discontinue treatment after couple of years. Where as macroadenomas secreting prolactin shrink well with treatment but may not completely go away. Most often many patients need long term treatment.
Fertility chances are low when prolactin levels are high. Once prolactin levels are down, you will start getting periods and fertility chances are better. One thing to note is that, prolactin secreting pituitary adenoma have the potential to grow during pregnancy under the influence of the hormone estrogen. Hence you need expert endocrine consultation and follow up before planning and during pregnancy.
Surgery is not required in prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas unless it is threatening vision. It will shrink very well with medicines.
Could you attach the MRI reports please?
Regards
Binu
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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