TTTC-related question: high prolactin???

[pooh8402]

I didn't want to post this on the main TTTC board for what I hope will be obvious reasons.

I just got my period yesterday after only a 10-day LP. My LP prior to pregnancy was always 12-14 days, even before supplementing progesterone--supplementing would increase it to 14-15 days. So I'm a little worried. I did start tracking my cycle again this last month because it's my first hormone-free cycle since E was born, and I want to have a baseline before getting into treatments again.

So I was quite surprised yesterday to see AF, considering when I ovulated (and personally, I thought I ovulated a couple days later than FF told me). I'm worried that my prolactin may still be high, although I haven't been tested yet. I officially weaned E back in January, although I did let him nurse for 30 minutes on one side on March 20, because we had just moved into our new house 3 days earlier and it was a stressful day and he and I both needed comfort. That side is STILL producing milk. It's not much, it's like colostrum, but it's still there. I can maybe eke out a tiny drop from the other side.

Anyone have high prolactin when they were TTC, and if so, what did yall do about it? I'm a little worried because I know prolactin and progesterone are antagonist to each other. I weaned my son earlier than we were both really ready, for this reason. I think many of you from TTTC days know I can be a little anxious and want to know the steps/options way ahead of time.

ETA: I know many women get pregnant while still nursing, but we, on this board, are not many women.

[konapoppy]

I had slightly elevated prolactin without breastfeeding (obviously) and the RE prescribed bromocriptine. I didn't take it for long because it made me really constipated. I got pregnant with IVF and one IUI (CP) without taking it. I don't know if this helps, but wanted to throw it out there.

[azurely]

I was told by my RE's office that it takes 2-3 months for prolactin levels to go back to normal after weaning. Obviously not the same for everyone though, since many people do get pregnant while still nursing. I had my period back for about 8 months, even though I was nursing 2-3x a day, before getting pregnant again.

[luv2rn4fun]

I got my cycle back at 9 months pp with C. The first 3 cycles my LP phase was very short (I had a 13-15 day LP pre pregnancy). The third cycle was a 10 day LP (I was also still nursing 4x daily). I ended up pregnant on the 4th cycle/2nd TTC. My RE made me wean, which I was able to do by my 6 week appointment. I also did PiO and baby aspirin and had no issues with the pregnancy. My guess is that your LP will lengthen with time...but it never hurts to have testing done or make a phone call to your RE for peace of mind.

[midwest07]

I have always had a short LP, and it appears that having a baby and nursing (I weaned 6 months ago) has made it even worse. But anyway, I had some success with B6 when we were trying to get pregnant on our own, my LP increased by a day or two. I stopped once we moved on to IVF. But it may be worth a shot, dosage is 100mg a day. It is something you don't want to overdo. Maybe your RE would let you supplement with progesterone if you are trying on your own for a few months. We are actually doing that right now, starting with this cycle.

[pooh8402]

DH's previous SAs were so bad that I have little hope of getting pregnant on our own, and I don't imagine they've improved in 2 years. plus, we have 3 frozen embryos that I'd like to give a chance at life. so while we're not preventing, I'm not expecting a BFP without treatments.

I can try some B6, thanks!

[boiler717]

I had high prolactin. They determined it was okay and I didn't need bromocriptine. I did have to have an MRI to rule out a pituitary tumor.

[swiftlyirun]

I realize this is an old thread, but pooh8402, curious is you have the testing done? I think I'm in a similar situation. My LP has been like 7ish days for the past 3 cycles. I don't really know what's normal for me because I didn't have a period that wasn't a withdrawal bleed and some type of medically induced ovulation for a good portion of TTC last time. This is all new territory for me.

[pooh8402]

Yea, I had the testing done because I specifically asked about this. No one ever called me with results, so I assume it's okay? I'll ask about it the next time I'm in the office, which won't be until June 19th.

I also had a 10 day L.P. for the second cycle in a row. I was supposed to get AF today or tomorrow, not Sunday!

[swiftlyirun]

Jun 7, 2017 9:26:02 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Yea, I had the testing done because I specifically asked about this. No one ever called me with results, so I assume it's okay? I'll ask about it the next time I'm in the office, which won't be until June 19th.

I also had a 10 day L.P. for the second cycle in a row. I was supposed to get AF today or tomorrow, not Sunday!

Ok, good to know. I'll be interested to see what the RE has to say next week!

[pooh8402]

All that worry and my prolactin was on the low end of normal. Guess I'm good to go!

My AMH was like 12.6. Wow. Yep, definitely have pcos.

[swiftlyirun]

Jun 19, 2017 11:19:29 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

All that worry and my prolactin was on the low end of normal. Guess I'm good to go!

My AMH was like 12.6. Wow. Yep, definitely have pcos.

Ok, maybe I don't know as much about pcos as I should? Can you enlighten me as to what this means in reference to the AMH and prolactin levels as the correlate? Just trying to understand all the jargon they throw around at my appointment tomorrow . I never thought I would so quickly forget all of this!!!

PCOS sucks. 

[pooh8402]

they don't really correlate, ha. they were just the two most interesting numbers in my workup.

high prolactin can be from lactation, but it can also be from a pituitary tumor. mine was low, so I'm definitely no longer lactating, and it won't interfere with progesterone.

high AMH means I have a high ovarian reserve. which makes sense in PCOS--we don't ovulate, and our ovaries are full of unreleased eggs. I was on the lowest dose of stims during my IVF cycle and I still overstimulated. low AMH means low ovarian reserve and can be an indicator of early menopause--these ladies are the ones who need high amounts of stims during IUIs or IVF.

[swiftlyirun]

OK, gotcha! Thanks for clarifying pooh8402! I feel like I'm always grasping for info! My RE is amazing and gives us great info, but I am the type that always likes to be overeducated- especially about things like this.

I'll be interested to see my numbers tomorrow.