Does hyperprolactinaemia cause periods to stop?

The pituitary gland releases prolactin. If prolactin stays high, it can reduce the brain signals that prompt the ovaries to mature an egg and produce cycle hormones. Periods may become less frequent before stopping, and fertility can be affected while ovulation is suppressed.

Periods stopping can have many causes, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, low energy availability, intense exercise, stress, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome or medicines. The symptom does not establish which cause is present.

Take a pregnancy test if relevant and record when periods changed, plus any nipple discharge, headaches, vision symptoms, weight change or major exercise changes. Book a medical appointment for periods that have stopped unexpectedly. A clinician may review medicines and request pregnancy, prolactin and thyroid tests; a raised prolactin result may be repeated.

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause and your reproductive goals. Seek guidance before taking hormone products or stopping prescribed treatment.

Arrange prompt review for stopped periods with milk-like discharge, persistent headaches or changes in peripheral vision. Seek urgent help for sudden severe headache, sudden visual loss, fainting, severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding.

Which causes should we check first? Could my medicines affect prolactin? Do I need repeat blood tests or imaging? How might this affect bone health, fertility or cycle treatment?