Living with a Pituitary Adenoma

Three years ago Andi Alhadeff was stricken with a sudden influx of intrusive thoughts, a condition often associated with OCD, along with extreme anxiety and nausea. Blood tests showed elevated prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Further testing revealed that Andi had a pituitary adenoma (or prolactinoma), a type of tumor that sits on the pituitary gland and can affect hormone production.

In this episode of the Major Pain podcast, Andi discusses the diagnosis and subsequent treatment she has received for her prolactinoma. Over the past three years she has taken great strides in managing her symptoms and mental outlook, regaining control in the face of a frightening diagnosis. She shares her experience with prescription drugs and supplements aimed at lowering her prolactin, which ranged in both effectiveness and the severity of side effects. She also discusses the occurrence of mental health challenges faced as a result of her hormone imbalance, including bouts of depression, anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

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3 Comments

Eva Scharf · January 29, 2024 at 1:37 am

Just want to say that at about 23 years old I was diagnosed at Mayo Clinic with a pituitary adonoma which secredted prolactin. I am in my early 60’s now and have had 5 kids They are all healthy adults and have kids.
After being diagnosed I decided to have the surgery recomended but ended up with a residual tumor. I took parlodel/bromocriptine and it did allow me to be pregnant and have children, 5 live births and 2 miscarriages. I did have anxiety and other mental symptions but no one ever told me that they could be a result of having a pituitary tumor (prolactin) at times I thought I was going crazy.
I did also go to Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and saw Dr.. Antonio Scommegna, who was a pioneer of the problem. Hearing about Andie”s experience was a familiar one and I am happy to hear that these symptoms were part of the pituitary problems.

I d

Major Pain Podcast · January 29, 2024 at 2:53 am

Eva,

Thank you so much for your comment! Your timing is incredible, Andi and I are recording a follow up podcast tomorrow since she just had the surgery to remove her adenoma. I will share your comment with her while we record! I’m sure she will appreciate hearing a piece of your story.

Jesse