Jen Sulola

Cohorts: 20s-40s

Condition: Hyperthyroidism

Snapshot

Name: Jen Sulola
Age range: 27
Life stage: Reproductive years
Location: London
Occupation: Graphic designer at a creative agency
Relationship and family context: In a long-term relationship; not actively trying to conceive yet, but starting to think about it after cycle irregularities

Health Context

Relevant condition(s): Hyperprolactinaemia (raised prolactin levels suppressing ovarian hormones)
Density of condition(s): Uncommon
Key symptoms experienced: Irregular or absent periods, occasional milky nipple discharge (galactorrhoea), mild headaches, low libido, and recent anxiety about fertility
Severity and duration: Mild to moderate, 9 months of cycle irregularity; initially dismissed as “stress-related”
Diagnosed or suspected: GP has ordered blood tests after repeated cycle changes; possible link to mild hyperprolactinaemia suspected
Current treatments or management: Not yet started as awaiting results – takes low-dose antipsychotic medication for anxiety (which may be contributing factor) and uses tracking apps to monitor ovulation but unhelpful due to erratic data
Comorbidities or related factors: Mild anxiety, on stable mental health medication; recent weight fluctuations and disrupted sleep

Triggers and barriers

Main triggers that worsen symptoms: Stress, disrupted sleep, certain medications (especially dopamine-blocking drugs like antipsychotics), and hormonal imbalance
Barriers to seeking care: Embarrassment about discussing nipple discharge and medication side effects; unsure whether to talk to GP or gynaecologist; confusion over whether itʼs “real fertility issue” or “just stress”
Information gaps and misconceptions: Doesnʼt know what prolactin is or that it can suppress oestrogen and progesterone; unaware of how medication can affect hormone feedback; thinks fertility is only a concern “later in life”, and not been worried about it at all previously
Emotional drivers and concerns: Growing fear about long-term fertility; guilt or confusion about taking mental health meds; frustration with being told “youʼre too young to worry about hormones”

Goals and needs

Primary health goals: Understand whatʼs happening to her body and whether fertility is at risk; find hormonal balance without compromising mental health stability
Secondary lifestyle goals: Maintain emotional well-being; improve cycle regularity and energy; feel empowered to advocate for herself with doctors
What “better” looks like to them: Regular cycles again, confidence in her fertility timeline, and a plan that supports both her hormones and mental health