I have been doing a ton of reasearch on heroine use since our 22 year old daughter overdosed and died in February. It is true that heroin totally messes up you endocrine system. When the ME did her autopsy theyfound her Para thyroid was non-existant. The most
accurate information I have found is..
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Periods-absent/Pages/Causes.aspx
Here is what they say on the subject. This would also explain breast swelling and or discharge.
Hyperprolactinaemia
Hyperprolactinaemiameans you haveexcessively high levels of a hormone called prolactin in your body.
High levels of prolactin are normally only required after you have given birth, as they help stimulate production of breast milk. Having high levels at other times can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and lead to absent periods.
Hyperprolactinaemia is thought to affect around 1 in every 200 women and can have a wide range of causes, such as:
a brain tumoura severe head injurykidney diseasecirrhosis
Hyperprolactinaemia can also arise as a side effect of treatments and medications, such as:
radiotherapyantidepressantscalcium channel blockers(a medication used to treathigh blood pressure)omeprazole(a medication used to treatstomach ulcers)
Women who regularly use heroin alsooften develop hyperprolactinaemia.
Premature ovarian failure
Premature ovarian failure is when the ovaries stop producing eggs in women who should still be young enough to ovulate (usually 45 or younger).
It is estimated that premature ovarian failure affects 1 in every 100 women before the age of40 and 1 in every 20 women before the age of 45.
It is thought many cases of premature ovarian failure are caused by the immune system malfunctioning and attacking the ovaries. The condition has also been linked to havingchemotherapyor radiotherapy.
You should seek medical advice if you suspect you have premature ovarian failure, even if you are not concerned about having periods. This is because having this condition can put you at risk of osteoporosis andheart disease.