Prolactin levels/Nipple discharge

[pixystix]

I have just had my first exam with an IVF specialist, during the breast exam he noted some nipple discharge, which he felt may be due to raised prolactin levels, wich may also affect my fertility (alongside my diminished ovarian reserve). I'm wondering if I may have had this for years as I have often noticed what I thought to be little bits of dried skin on my nipples. I've never actually seen any discharge until today. Has anyone else ever experienced this, or know much about raised prolactin levels.

[Shayne Plosker, MD]

Dear pixystix - whenever this kind of discharge is found, it is important to check prolactin as increased levels can affect fertility. Sometimes the levels are high enough to inhibit ovulation, and other times ovulation continues but there are still some subtle endocrine (hormone) alterations. Having said this, most of the time with just a small amount of breast discharge, prolactin levels still come back normal. The good news is that if they are elevated, they are easy to treat with medicine to bring back to normal.

[shacar216]

I have what is called a micropituitary adenoma, which is a small benign tumor on my pituitary. For me, it causes breast discharge, infertility, messed up cycles, headaches, and a whole bunch of other issues. I've had it for over 10 years and have been managed off and on with medication. I was able to conceive my first child using bromacriptine and he was born healthy 9 months later. We are trying for #2, but unfortunatly, I could no longer tolerate the bromacriptine and was switched to Dostinex, which has fewer side effects. Your doc will probably run a prolactin level (blood test) and if it is high, you may have a head MRI done (fun! :^) Besides a pituitary tumor, it could also be a pituitary cyst. The good news tx could help with your fertility issues, and for me at least, it has helped me to feel a whole lot better. HTH! Glad to answer any other questions from my personal experience if needed. Good luck to you.
Sharon