WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for February, 1998: Re: pituitary adenoma

Re: pituitary adenoma - Dostinex- abnormal,painful periods

From: Kelly Shanahan, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 28 Feb 1998 20:50:48 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: lgalau: "pituitary adenoma - Dostinex- abnormal,painful periods"
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At Sat, 28 Feb 1998, lgalau wrote: >
>I am 35yrs oldand have recently been diagnosed with a prolactin
>secreting pituitary adenoma. Prior to diagnosis I
>had no period for appx. 1 year. I have been taking Dostinex 0.5MG 2x's
>a week for 7 months. My cycle returned
>within 6 weeks of beginning the Dostinex, however, my period lasts 10-14
>days is very heavy (pad every hour)for
>8-9 days, and I have a period every two weeks. I am having severe
>cramping (I had no cramping prior to the pituitary
>adenoma)that results in nausea, sweating and back pain.
>My question is is this normal following period of amenorrhea?

It is by no means uncommon -- long stetches of amenorrhea (no periods) secondary to anovulation (not ovulating) can lead to an abnormal build up of the uterine lining; when you bleed, it may be very heavy and very long because all that excess uterine lining must be expelled. Another consequence of prolonged anovulation and build up of uterine lining is development of abnormal uterine lining tissue. I would recommend you have a D&C or endometrial biopsy to rule out any abnormal cells.

Is it a >side effect of Dostinex?

Dostinex and Parlodel (antoher medication ot lower prolactin) usually REGULATE periods because once your prolactin level is back to normal you will probably start ovulating again and once you start ovulating, your cycles will probably be regular.

Will this pattern continue

see above

, and if it will what >do you suggest to ease the cramping.

Non-steroidal antiinflammatories like ibuprofen (motrin, advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn, anaprox)

I am weighing the decision to have >the adenoma surgically resected

microadenomas (tiny tumors) are usually treated with medication. Macroadenomas (big ones) may be removed surgically. I suggest you get opinions from both an endocrinologist and a neurosurgeon.

--ifmy symptoms are due to the medication >my decision will be an easy one.

Sorry, but your symptoms are due to your problem, not to the medication

Thank you for your time, my OB_GYN >can't get me in for two weeks, and I
>appreciate your opinion and advise. I am an operating room nurse and am
>having a difficult time balancing this problem at work!!

But, heck, you can get lots of opinions from the doctors in your hospital!

--
Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG
S. Lake Tahoe, CA

note: Opinions here are for educational purposes only. This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to consult with your own physician. It cannot take the place of a face to face consultation and examination.
Sorry, but private e-mails will not be answered.

Next message: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: no more fetal heartbeat -- wait or get a D & C?"
Previous message: laura: "Re: hormone imbalance after miscarriage?"
In reply to: lgalau: "pituitary adenoma - Dostinex- abnormal,painful periods"
Next in thread: Kelly Shanahan, MD: "Re: no more fetal heartbeat -- wait or get a D & C?"

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