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Do Elevated Prolactin Levels Cause Weight Gain And Fatigue?
I am post-menopausal (age 55) and have a high prolactin level (84 ng/ml). I have a history of high prolactin and prolactinoma. My endocrinologist doesn t want to treat the high prolactin level. He says that because there are no concerns about fertility, I don t need treatment. He also says the high prolactin is likely caused by my anti-depressants (Viibryd and Wellbutrin), although he has ordered an MRI to rule out a prolactinoma. However, I have concerns about other issues, such as weight gain (I ve gained 40 lbs in less than 2 years) and fatigue. Can high prolactin cause these or other negative effects? Is there a reason not to treat it?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Prolactin itself would not cause these symptoms. However, the MRI is necessary to see what is causing increased level. As Prolactinoma can suppress release of other hormones like thyroid that can give fatigue and weight gain. If MRI rules out Prolactinoma this would be very reassuring , however this is necessary, I would also like to check level of other hormones like TSH, FH ,FSH, so to be sure nothing is wrong with them.
Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr Rahman
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Do Elevated Prolactin Levels Cause Weight Gain And Fatigue?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Prolactin itself would not cause these symptoms. However, the MRI is necessary to see what is causing increased level. As Prolactinoma can suppress release of other hormones like thyroid that can give fatigue and weight gain. If MRI rules out Prolactinoma this would be very reassuring , however this is necessary, I would also like to check level of other hormones like TSH, FH ,FSH, so to be sure nothing is wrong with them. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr Rahman