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My prolactin levels are high,I am scared of an MRI.What do I do?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have problem of high prolactin (PRL) since one year. As per doctor's advice I have taken medicine for one year. I had checked my prolactin levels earlier and I had done an MRI also. I have attached my previous and current reports (prolactin levels and MRI) and prescription. I had taken an MRI Sella before two years. My doctor has also given me advice for MRI Sella after one year.

  • My doctor has prescribed some medicines for this prolactin issue. Should I continue the medicine?
  • Should I repeat MRI Sella before continuing the medicine?

In my personal opinion, before I go to MRI Sella, I would like to stop the medicine for one or two months and repeat the PRL. In case I face any problem I will consult you again and after that I shall go for the MRI. I would like to avoid the situation of taking an MRI scan, as I am scared of it.

Answered by Dr. Divakara P

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divakara. P is a Diabetologist and an Endocrinologist specializing in Pain Medicine and Pulmonology with 18 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in 2006 and MD in General Medicine at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2011. He is qualified to diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine glands. Currently, he is practicing in Dr. Divakara's Speciality Clinic, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • First of all, why do you get scared of MRI scan? MRI is just a non-invasive scan and you need not be afraid of getting it done.
  • I went through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity) and your previous MRI scan says that there is a microadenoma in your pituitary gland, that means you have a small tumor in your pituitary.
  • Since, it was small you were prescribed only medicines to control it. Now your doctor wants to know the size of the tumor by doing a repeat scan and he is right in that.
  • As per your reports, you have high prolactin levels. But, your way of stopping the medicine, repeating the PRL (prolactin level) and then if required getting the scan done is not right. This is because the medicine which has been given to you will not cure the tumor, it will just reduce the PRL levels. If you stop the medicine the PRL levels will increase again.
  • So my strong recommendation is to continue taking medicine and get the MRI scan done.

For further clarifications, consult an endocrinologist online

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor.

You have told that, the medicine is just to reduce the PRL levels and not to cure the tumor. So, please tell me how will I be able to cure my tumor? And how many days do I have to take the medicine?

Answered by Dr. Divakara P

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divakara. P is a Diabetologist and an Endocrinologist specializing in Pain Medicine and Pulmonology with 18 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in 2006 and MD in General Medicine at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2011. He is qualified to diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine glands. Currently, he is practicing in Dr. Divakara's Speciality Clinic, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. Tumor has to be removed surgically only. But, if the tumor is small and not growing, then it can be observed periodically by doing repeated scans and surgery can be avoided.

Revert back to an endocrinologist online for further follow up

Answered by Dr. Divakara P
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 10, 2018
Reviewed At May 6, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divakara. P is a Diabetologist and an Endocrinologist specializing in Pain Medicine and Pulmonology with 18 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in 2006 and MD in General Medicine at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2011. He is qualified to diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine glands. Currently, he is practicing in Dr. Divakara's Speciality Clinic, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Decision Helper
High Prolactin and MRI Decision Helper

Should you get an MRI for high prolactin?

Answer a few questions to understand the recommendations for MRI Sella in cases of high prolactin levels.

  • Learn about the role of MRI in managing high prolactin.
  • Understand why your doctor might recommend a repeat MRI.
  • Get clarity on medication's role versus tumor treatment.

This tool provides guidance, not a diagnosis. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divakara. P is a Diabetologist and an Endocrinologist specializing in Pain Medicine and Pulmonology with 18 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in 2006 and MD in General Medicine at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences in 2011. He is qualified to diagnose and treat disorders of the endocrine glands. Currently, he is practicing in Dr. Divakara's Speciality Clinic, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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