Lisa Fasone and her partner dreamed of having two children. When Fasone got pregnant in 2021, their plans seemed to progress smoothly. Their daughter was born in February 2022. As they adjusted to life as a family of three, Fasone grappled with persistent postpartum symptoms, such as night sweats and headaches. She initially attributed these issues to breastfeeding and hormonal adjustments. Absence of her menstrual cycle and failed attempts to conceive again raised her concern. By her daughter’s second birthday, she decided to seek medical advice.

“It’s been a year since I stopped nursing, and I still feel absolutely awful,” Fasone, 32, remarked. “I sensed something was off but kept ignoring it. After a year, I took decisive action.”

Upon visiting her OB-GYN, tests revealed elevated prolactin levels, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin affects fertility and supports breast milk production. Typically, prolactin levels shift during pregnancy, but Fasone’s hadn’t returned to normal. Her medical team discovered a small benign tumor, a prolactinoma, on her pituitary gland causing the hormonal imbalance.

Operating on such tumors is uncommon. Dr. Stephen McGill from Northwestern University explained these are usually treated with oral medication, often leading to the tumor disappearing over time.

Fasone commenced the medication but soon experienced side effects like severe dizziness. Her medication was not pregnancy-friendly, and her high prolactin levels made conceiving challenging. Watching her toddler daughter play alone filled her with fear.

“Infertility feels personal. You never expect it when getting pregnant with your first was easy,” Fasone observed. “I had to accept I might always have one child.”

After a year on medication, a follow-up scan showed the prolactinoma was growing instead of shrinking. The tumor’s growth along with Fasone’s side effects made surgery an option, McGill stated.

Though surgery poses risks, such as further fertility issues, it could resolve Fasone’s condition, offering hope.

Fasone chose surgery to reclaim her life. “At this point, I had no choice,” she said. “To live the life I envisioned and complete my family, surgery was necessary.”

In April 2025, Fasone underwent a minimally invasive procedure through her nose. Post-surgery, doctors confirmed her prolactin levels were normal. A month later, she had her first period since her daughter’s birth.

Subsequent screenings revealed rising prolactin levels again.

Fasone feared tumor cells persisted, yet the tests found she was pregnant with her second child.

“I was shocked after everything I’d been through,” Fasone shared. “But it was an exciting and rewarding experience.”

In February 2026, Fasone gave birth to her second daughter. McGill noted her pregnancy went smoothly with normalizing prolactin levels. Fasone resumed breastfeeding, much like with her first child. The older sibling embraced her role.

“Super grateful” summarizes Fasone’s sentiment. Returning to work, she recently earned a doctorate in medical science.

Fasone’s health will be closely monitored by McGill and her endocrinologist through regular prolactin level checks and annual MRI scans over the next five years.

Introducing her children to McGill, Fasone looks forward to spending less time at the doctor’s office.

Reflecting on her past year’s experiences offers a new perspective. “Returning from maternity leave in May, I thought of a year prior—returning after brain surgery,” Fasone recalled. “I was unsure of my future then. Remembering those times shows just how far I’ve come.”