When to worry about nipple discharge if you have hyperprolactinaemia

Prolactin is a hormone involved in milk production. When its level is raised, milk-like discharge can occur even when you are not breastfeeding. Hyperprolactinaemia may also be associated with irregular periods, reduced fertility, or lower sexual desire, depending on the cause and the person.

Medicines, pregnancy, thyroid problems, and changes involving the pituitary gland can all affect prolactin. Discharge that is bloody, clear, one-sided, or linked with a lump should be assessed rather than attributed to hormones automatically.

Tell your clinician when the discharge began, whether it comes from one or both breasts, and whether it appears without stimulation. Mention medicines, supplements, pregnancy possibility, menstrual changes, headaches, or vision symptoms. Avoid repeated nipple checks, which can stimulate more fluid.

Your clinician may repeat a prolactin test under suitable conditions and review medicines or other hormone tests. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Keep follow-up appointments so the underlying reason for the raised hormone can be addressed.

Arrange prompt review for bloody discharge, a new breast lump, skin or nipple changes, or discharge from one breast only. Seek urgent medical help for a sudden or severe headache, new vision loss, double vision, or confusion, because these symptoms need rapid assessment.

Ask what may be raising prolactin, whether your medicines need review, when testing should be repeated, and which headache or vision changes require urgent help.