What do irregular periods feel like with hyperprolactinaemia?

Prolactin is a hormone involved in breast milk production. When it is raised outside expected situations, it can interfere with the hormone signals that coordinate ovulation. Periods may come farther apart, vary in flow, or stop for a time. Some people also notice milky nipple discharge, reduced sexual desire, vaginal dryness or difficulty becoming pregnant.

These symptoms can have other explanations, including pregnancy, medicines, thyroid disorders or changes affecting the pituitary gland. A symptom pattern cannot establish the cause by itself.

Book a clinical assessment if cycle changes continue, especially if you have nipple discharge when not breastfeeding or are trying to conceive. Tell the clinician about medicines, supplements, headaches, vision changes, pregnancy possibility and breastfeeding history. They may repeat a prolactin blood test under suitable conditions and check other hormones or the thyroid.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice. Treatment depends on why prolactin is raised, and periods often need monitoring while that cause is addressed.

Seek urgent medical assessment for a sudden severe headache, new visual disturbance, fainting or weakness. Arrange prompt review for very heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, bleeding during pregnancy, or periods that stop unexpectedly.

Could a medicine, pregnancy or thyroid problem be affecting prolactin? Should the blood test be repeated, and what other tests are needed? What symptoms should prompt urgent review, and how might treatment affect fertility or periods?