Hi,
Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand our concern. I have gone through your reports.
But, I would like to a few things before I can interpret the results.
What is the age of the patient?
married/ unmarried?
Obstetric history?Number of children if any?
Any other medical history? Taking any medications?
What are present symptoms? Duration of current symptoms?
Please get back to me with answers.
Regards
Patient replied :
Thanks for the reply Dr
The patient is 43
married
no children
suffers from anxiety takes xanex (Took .5 mg 8 to 12 hours before blood test)
no symptoms. Had a blood test as part of a spa health plan.
Thanks
Thanks for getting back.
Hyperprolactinemia (elevated levels of prolactin) may be due to a number of conditions. These conditions include pregnancy, hypothyroidism, stress, history of chest wall surgery, in patients with cirrhosis.
Some drugs such as alprazolam (xanex) may also be a cause of high prolactin levels
Another cause is a prolactin-secreting small tumor in the pituitary gland. It is a small tumor which can be easily removed by surgery. Your doctor has advised MRI for the same reason. Please get those investigation done as advised to exclude the condition.
Regards
Patient replied :
Thanks for the reply Dr.
We would like your opinion on a few points please:
Since the blood was drawn close to taking the xanex, should we have it taken again? We read it's best to take it 3 times to confirm the elevated Prolactine ?
What is the norm for prolactin levels ? Are they the same across different countries I.e. Caucasian, middle eastern etc)
thanks
Hello,
Yes, please do the test again without taking Xanax and with the consultation of your psychiatrist. But, levels above 260 are indicative of prolactinoma. So, MRI is highly recommended.
I don't think lab values vary significantly across different races. But, lab values are dependent of laboratory methods of estimation.
Thanks