Question:
Welll here goes: I've been on BC for about 7-8 yrs, due to
irrregular periods at a younger age, I was underweight. Now for the
last 1 1/2 I've noticed nipple discharge, I went to the doctor &
my prolactin level has elevated from the 60-120. I had an MRI and it
was negative for a adenoma. But showed a slight enlarged pituitary
stalk. I aslo take anti-depressants and went off of them for 6-8 wks,
b/c they thought maybe the drugs were doing it. The level still
remained elevated. The only thing I haven't gone off is the birth
control. Today will be the second day off of it. I will get the level
checked again in 4 wks. My question is that, has anyone ever had this
problem?The doctors are saying it's not the birth control, but could
be possible. I'm thinking it maybe doing something to my horomone
levels. Any experience or suggestions would be helpful. Ive been
emotinally drained from all of this. radclerk

Answer:
This is a very common condition. The majority of nipple discharges are
associated with non-malignant changes in the breast (ie: hormonal
changes). Nipple Discharge is of Concern if it is: bloody or
watery (serous) with a red, pink, or brown color sticky and clear in
color or brown to black in color appears spontaneously without
squeezing the nipple persistent on one side only (unilateral) a
fluid other than breast milk If a discharge can be produced during
the breast examination, some of the fluid may be collected and
examined under a microscope to see if any blood cells or cancer cells
are present. This test is called a nipple smear. The discharge may
also be examined for signs of infection such as pus. As the doctor you
are seeing now cares for you, just keep in mind that most nipple
discharge is not caused by breast cancer. Also, you might want to try
changing to another type of birth control pill if you do not wish to
come off of them altogether. Be sure that you seek regular follow up
mammograms and a breast exam by your physician. Also, perform breast
self-examinations at least once per month.

Answer:
They have tested the discharge and it came back negative. All above
test have been done and came back negative. my last option is to go
off birth control and see if the level goes down. do you think it
could be the BC making the level high, it does contain all different
kinds of hormones. feedback pls. radclerk

Answer:
If all other studies have been done then, yes, I do think it's the
contraceptive pill you are taking.

Answer:
Hey radclerk, how are you doing?

If a prolactin level is over 200 ng/mL, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test is usually done to confirm the presence of a pituitary tumor. Prolactin levels vary throughout the day.

The highest levels occur during sleep and shortly after you wake up. Do not eat or drink for a certain number of hours as instructed by your health professional before having a prolactin test.

A blood prolactin test is usually done about 3 hours after you awake, sometime between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Emotional stress or strenuous exercise just before the test can raise prolactin
levels.

You may be asked to rest quietly for up to 30 minutes before having your blood drawn. Stimulation of the nipples can raise prolactin levels.

A woman experiencing abnormal nipple discharge should not attempt to elicit the discharge prior to testing. Your health professional will discuss any abnormal results with you in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

Medications that can interfere with your test and the accuracy of the results include estrogens (such as in birth control pills), high blood pressure medications, tricyclic antidepression medications, cimetidine (Tagamet), metoclopramide (Reglan), chlorpromazine (Thorazine),
haloperidol (Haldol), methyldopa (Aldomet), and levodopa (Larodopa).

Best wishes,

Answer:
Yes, I do.