Learned something interesting at the doctor's

[channy3232]

My doc wants to draw blood to test me for PCOS. The nurse tried but I have crappy veins and she couldn't get any blood. So they wrote me a form to go to a lab to have it drawn. She said not to go today though since my doctor was going to do a breast exam as part of my normal checkup. I asked why and it totally makes sense. Breast stimulation can affect hormone levels! It never dawned on me that could happen but it makes sense completely! Interesting!

 

[ettegirb21]

Wow, thanks for that bit of knowledge. It makes total sense.

 

[MarsMaiden]

It can stimulate production of prolactin, high levels of which can prevent ovulation and cause low progesterone.

It is bizarre seeing this thread today as I have made the decision to make my boobs a no go zone this month!! I have had issues with raised prolactin in the past and am just going to do whatever it takes to make this IUI cycle work this time! Haven't told DH yet, I'm sure he'll be really impressed - NOT!!

Honestly I've never seen anyone advise againt stimulation or fiddling but as all us LTTTCers know, we'll try (or not try!) anything once!!

 

[Lyns]

It's well over 18 months since I last breastfed my daughter, and even now I still have milk. I mentioned this to my FS and he said that it was probably the reason for my slighty raised prolactin levels, however, if Prolactin is going to be an issue, it is simply that you either will or will not Ovulate, and for that it needs to be pretty high.

So if you are Ov'ing regularly, then a bit of boob tweaking isn't going to make you infertile overnight IYKWIM.

He also said that the it's unlikely that stimulation alone, could bring about high enough prolactin levels to affect Ov in a normal person....however one should avoid stimulation in an increased heat environment such as hot bath or sauna, as this can then raise the prolactin higher again and can affect Ov.