What caused Livia McNee's irregular periods?

Livia McNee's irregular periods were caused by a non-cancerous brain tumor on her pituitary gland.

How is a pituitary gland tumor treated?

Pituitary gland tumors can be managed with medication like cabergoline, which helps shrink the tumor and restore normal hormonal function.

Can irregular periods be a sign of a brain tumor?

Yes, irregular periods can sometimes be a symptom of a pituitary gland tumor that affects hormone production, such as prolactin.

Home / Health / Irregular Periods Linked to Brain Tumor

Irregular Periods Linked to Brain Tumor

5 Feb

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Summary

Irregular periods for 13 years were traced to a brain tumor.
The tumor was on the pituitary gland affecting hormone levels.
Medication is shrinking the tumor and normalizing periods.

Livia McNee, a 27-year-old civil servant from London, experienced irregular periods for over a decade, initially attributed to endometriosis. However, even after surgery for endometriosis, her menstrual cycle remained unpredictable.

In November 2024, a private blood test revealed abnormally high hormone levels, including prolactin, prompting further investigation. Several months later, McNee received the diagnosis: a brain tumor located on her pituitary gland.

This non-cancerous tumor was overproducing prolactin, disrupting her menstrual cycle and fertility. While many pituitary tumors are asymptomatic, McNee's case highlights a potential link between irregular periods and these growths.