Brain Tumor Unmasked Postpartum Symptoms
Lisa Fasone’s lingering postpartum headaches and night sweats were eventually linked to a tiny pituitary tumor. After medication failed, she underwent minimally invasive surgery, which initially resolved her hormone levels. A subsequent rise in prolactin revealed a new pregnancy, and she welcomed a…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Lisa Fasone and her partner had always wanted two children. When she became pregnant in 2021, everything seemed to fall into place. Their daughter arrived in February 2022, and life settled into a rhythm of feeding, play, and work. Yet, months after nursing ended, Lisa began to feel a persistent ache—night sweats, throbbing headaches, and an unrelenting fatigue that she first blamed on hormonal shifts and the demands of motherhood.
Postpartum Symptoms That Won’t Fade
For a year, Lisa’s symptoms lingered. She noticed she hadn’t had a period, and attempts to conceive again were unsuccessful. By her daughter’s second birthday, she was convinced something was wrong. "I was like, ‘It’s been a year since I stopped nursing, and I still feel awful,’" she said. She finally decided to seek medical help.
Her OB‑GYN ordered a battery of tests, revealing an abnormally high level of prolactin—a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates milk production and fertility. While prolactin naturally rises during pregnancy, it should gradually return to baseline once the pregnancy ends. In Lisa’s case, it remained elevated, prompting a brain scan.
Discovering a Prolactinoma
The imaging revealed a tiny, benign tumor on her pituitary gland, known as a prolactinoma. These tumors are uncommon and often produce excess prolactin, leading to symptoms like those Lisa experienced. Neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen McGill, who works at Northwestern University, explained that while surgical removal is possible, it is rarely performed. Instead, doctors typically prescribe a medication that can shrink the tumor over time.
Lisa began a course of oral therapy. Initially, the medication helped reduce her prolactin levels, but she soon faced severe dizziness and other side effects. More importantly, the drug was not safe for pregnancy, and her elevated hormone levels would have made conceiving a second child almost impossible.
When Medication Fails, Surgery Becomes the Only Option
After a year on medication, a follow‑up scan showed the prolactinoma had grown, not shrunk. The tumor was now the size of a pea on a gland the size of a blueberry. Faced with the risk of continued infertility and worsening symptoms, Lisa and Dr. McGill decided that a minimally invasive endoscopic trans‑sphenoidal surgery was the best path forward.
The procedure, performed through the nose in April 2025, removed the tumor. The next day, her prolactin levels dropped to normal, and 30 days later she experienced her first period since the birth of her daughter. It seemed like a clean break from the past.
Unexpected Pregnancy and a New Chapter
However, weeks later, a routine screening showed her prolactin levels rising again. Initially, Lisa feared the tumor had returned. Instead, the tests revealed she was pregnant with her second child. The hormonal surge of pregnancy naturally elevated prolactin, explaining the spike.
She welcomed a second daughter in February 2026, mirroring the birth of her first. The pregnancy progressed normally, and her hormone levels stabilized. Lisa was able to breastfeed again, and her daughter now enjoys the role of big sister.
Beyond the emotional triumph, Lisa has also achieved professional milestones. She recently earned a Doctorate of Medical Science, marking a significant personal and career accomplishment. She now balances motherhood, a demanding job, and ongoing medical follow‑ups, including annual MRIs for the next five years to monitor her pituitary health.
Lisa’s journey underscores the importance of listening to persistent postpartum symptoms and seeking timely medical evaluation. It also highlights how rare conditions like prolactinomas can masquerade as common post‑delivery complaints, and how modern minimally invasive surgery can restore both health and fertility.
Looking Forward
With her family complete and her health under control, Lisa is focused on enjoying life with her daughters and continuing her work. She hopes her story will raise awareness about postpartum health and the need for thorough evaluation when symptoms persist.
Key facts
- Persistent postpartum symptoms can signal a pituitary tumor
- Prolactinomas are rare but treatable with medication or surgery
- Medication side effects and infertility risks may necessitate surgery
- Surgical removal can restore normal hormone levels and fertility
- Post‑surgery monitoring is essential to prevent recurrence
- Lisa’s story highlights the importance of timely medical evaluation
Why it matters
Lisa’s case illustrates how a seemingly routine postpartum discomfort can signal a serious underlying condition. Early detection and treatment not only restore health but also preserve fertility, offering hope to many women facing similar challenges.
Frequently asked questions
What is a prolactinoma?
A prolactinoma is a benign tumor of the pituitary gland that produces excess prolactin, leading to symptoms such as headaches, infertility, and hormonal imbalances.
Can a prolactinoma be treated without surgery?
Yes, many prolactinomas respond to medication that reduces tumor size and hormone levels, but surgery is considered when medication fails or the tumor grows.
Will surgery affect future fertility?
Surgery can restore fertility by normalizing prolactin levels, but there is a risk of pituitary damage that may impact hormone production.
How often are follow‑up scans needed after surgery?
Patients typically receive annual MRIs for several years post‑surgery to monitor for recurrence, with intervals gradually extended as stability is confirmed.
Sources
- [1] cbsnews.com — originally reported as “A woman's postpartum symptoms wouldn't go away. A brain tumor was to blame.”
