Patient's question:
Patient is male, 53 years old. In May 2001, he underwent a transsphenoidal surgery for a pituitary tumor at Tianjin Hospital in Beijing. Postoperative radiation therapy was administered for three months. He had low white blood cells and has been taking drugs to increase white blood cell count. Currently, his count is 3.9.In December 2004, he experienced vomiting and loss of consciousness. The hospital diagnosed a pituitary crisis and responded with high-dose cortisol therapy, which improved his condition. He has been taking prednisone 7.5mg and thyroxine 15 micrograms orally daily since then.
Due to high serum prolactin levels (136 micrograms), bromocriptine tablets caused liver damage and jaundice. The level has now dropped to 38 micrograms, and bromocriptine has been discontinued.
Is there a method in Traditional Chinese Medicine to replace hormone therapy? Is there a way to reduce prolactin levels?
Doctor's answer:
Based on the medical history you provided, hormone treatment is not only for pain relief but also has other effects. Replacing it with other medications is not as effective as hormones. However, considering the elderly patient's age, you can try oral ibuprofen and other pain-relieving medications to see how effective they are. It is recommended to combine traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatments. Seeking a TCM practitioner for syndrome differentiation and treatment, and taking traditional Chinese herbal medicine to regulate the body and enhance its resistance, still has certain advantages. The effectiveness of traditional Chinese and herbal medicine in treating blood diseases and anti-tumor treatments is still quite good.