Galactorrhea is a milky nipple discharge that is unrelated to normal breast-feeding milk production. Galactorrhea is not an illness in and of itself, but it may be a symptom of something more serious. It generally affects women, even those who have never had children or who are past menopause. However, galactorrhea can occur in both men and newborns.
Excessive breast stimulation, drug side effects, or pituitary gland abnormalities can all contribute to galactorrhea. Galactorrhea is frequently caused by a rise in prolactin levels, the hormone that increases milk production.
The etiology of galactorrhea is sometimes unknown. The condition could go away on its own.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GALACTORRHEA?
The following are signs and symptoms of galactorrhea:
- Milky nipple discharge that is persistent or intermittent
- Multiple milk ducts are involved in nipple discharge.
- Nipple discharge, either spontaneously or manually expressed
- One or both breasts are affected
- Menstruation may be absent or irregular.
- Headaches or eyesight issues
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have a persistent, spontaneous milky nipple discharge from one or both of your breasts and are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
If extensive nipple manipulation during sexual activity causes nipple discharge from several ducts, you have minimal cause for concern. The discharge most likely does not indicate anything uncommon, and it generally resolves on its own. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have chronic discharge that does not go away.
Nonmilky nipple discharge, particularly crimson, yellow, or clear spontaneous discharge from a single duct or coupled with a palpable lump, need immediate medical treatment since it may be a symptom of underlying breast cancer.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GALACTORRHEA?
Galactorrhea is frequently caused by an excess of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production after you deliver a kid. Your pituitary gland, a tiny bean-shaped gland at the base of your brain that secretes and controls multiple hormones, produces prolactin.
Galactorrhea can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Medications such as sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and blood pressure medications Opioid abuse
- Herbal supplements like fennel, anise, and fenugreek seed
- Birth control pills
- Excessive breast stimulation, which may be related to sexual activity, repeated breast self-exams with nipple manipulation, or extended garment friction are all examples of excessive breast stimulation.
- A noncancerous pituitary tumor (prolactinoma) or other pituitary gland condition
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chest wall nerve injury caused by chest surgery, burns, or other chest traumas
- Spinal cord damage, surgery, or tumors
- Stress
Idiopathic galactorrhea
Sometimes doctors are unable to determine the reason of galactorrhea. This is known as idiopathic galactorrhea, and it might simply indicate that your breast tissue is too sensitive to the milk-producing hormone prolactin in your blood. Even normal prolactin levels might cause galactorrhea if you are sensitive to prolactin.
Galactorrhea in men
Galactorrhea in men is often related with testosterone shortage (male hypogonadism) and is accompanied by breast enlargement or soreness (gynecomastia). Male hormone insufficiency is also linked to erectile dysfunction and a lack of sexual desire.
Galactorrhea in infants
Galactorrhea can develop in babies. High quantities of maternal estrogen pass the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream. This can result in the baby's breast tissue swelling, which may be accompanied by a milky nipple discharge. This milky discharge is very transient and will go away on its own. If the discharge continues, the infant should be examined by a doctor.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR GALACTORRHEA?
Because there are so many options, determining the underlying cause of galactorrhea can be a difficult undertaking.
Testing could include:
- A physical exam in which your doctor may attempt to express some of the fluid from your breast by gently checking the region surrounding your nipple. Your doctor may also examine you for breast lumps or other regions of thickening breast tissue.
- Fluid secreted from the nipple is examined to determine if fat droplets are present, which can assist confirm the diagnosis of galactorrhea.
- A blood test to determine the amount of prolactin in your system. If your prolactin level is high, your doctor will almost certainly test your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level as well.
- A pregnancy test is performed to rule out pregnancy as a possible cause of nipple discharge.
- If your doctor discovers a breast lump or other questionable breast or nipple changes during your physical exam, he or she may order a mammogram, ultrasound, or both to gather photos of your breast tissue.
- If your blood test indicates a high prolactin level, you will be given an MRI of your brain to look for a tumor or other abnormalities of your pituitary gland.
If your doctor feels that a medication you're taking is causing your galactorrhea, he or she may order you to discontinue the medication for a brief period of time to investigate this possibility.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR GALACTORRHEA?
The treatment of galactorrhea is determined on the etiology. However, if you have a tiny prolactinoma that is producing other symptoms, it may disappear on its own.
Other possible galactorrhea therapies include:
- Prescription drugs that may be causing the discharge should be avoided: If you feel that a medicine you are taking is producing galactorrhea, consult with your doctor to determine if there is another prescription you may take instead. Just be careful not to stop taking anything suddenly, since this might result in additional unwanted side effects.
- Taking medicine to reduce or halt prolactin production by raising dopamine levels: Bromocriptine (Cycloset) and cabergoline are two common examples (Dostinex). These drugs can aid in the reduction of prolactinomas and other tumors. They can also aid in the regulation of prolactin levels.
- Prolactinoma or other tumor removal surgery: If medicine fails to work or the tumor becomes too large, surgery may be required to remove it.
CONCLUSION
Most persons with galactorrhea recover completely once the reason is identified. Pituitary gland tumors are frequently innocuous, and medicine can help control any symptoms they cause. Meanwhile, avoid doing anything that increases nipple discharge, such as stimulating your nipples during sex or wearing tight clothes.