QuestionAfternoon Dr Ramirez,
I have been trying to get pregnant for almost a year, I am just about to turn 36. My doctor did some blood tests and told me that my prolactin levels were 62 and suggested I have an MRI to see if I had a tumor, I had the MRI and it was negative. My doctor has now suggested I have a laporascopy to see if I have endometriosis. My husband had a sperm sample taken and he has no issues. So my question is do you think I should try taking bromocriptine to lower the prolactin levels or just go ahead and have the laporascopy done (30th April 2010)?
Thanks very much for taking the time to read my question.
AnswerHello Shelley from the U.S.,
The prolactin level needs to be repeated as a fasting prolactin, if your doctor has not already done so, and if elevated above 20, then should be treated with Dostinex (or you could use Bromocriptine but it has more side effects). The elevated pituitary levels could certainly be a cause for your fertility problems. I think that should be corrected prior to proceeding to laparoscopy. I presume you have had all the fertility testing. Laparoscopy should be the last test, unless you have an indication such as pelvic pain, severe menstrual cramping, pain with intercourse or a history of sexually transmitted disease or PID.
Good Luck,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf, and follow me on Facebook at http://bit.ly/9Iw9oV
