Galactorrhea

Galactorrhea is a discharge of milk from the breast that is not associated with breastfeeding. This condition mainly occurs in women. It does occur in men, but much less commonly.

Causes

In most cases, the cause of Galactorrhea is unknown. When the cause is known, the most common culprit is a pituitary tumor. The pituitary is a small gland attached to the brain. These tumors are usually not cancerous, but they often produce excess prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production. This type of tumor is also called a pituitary adenoma or a prolactinoma.
Other causes of Galactorrhea include:
  • Pregnancy
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Tumors, such as:
    • Breast
    • Brain
    • Lung
    • Kidney
    • Placenta
  • Some medicines, such as:
    • Stopping or starting to take birth control pills or other hormones
    • Blood pressure drugs
    • Antidepressants
    • Tranquilizers (antipsychotics)
    • Anti-nausea drugs
  • Certain herbs, including:
    • Nettle
    • Fennel
    • Blessed thistle
    • Anise
    • Fenugreek seed
  • Illicit drugs, such as:
    • Marijuana
    • Opiates
  • Sexual stimulation of the breast
  • Certain diseases, including:
    • Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
    • Chronic kidney failure
    • Cushing's disease
    • Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis)
    • Lupus
    • Sarcoidosis
  • Conditions involving the brain, such as:
    • Head trauma
    • Infection of the brain or spinal fluid
    • Hydrocephalous (high pressure in the brain due to excess fluid)
  • The post-operative state after any major surgery
  • Chest wall conditions, such as:
    • Shingles
    • Trauma
    • Surgical scars
    • Tumors of chest wall

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
  • Sex: Female
  • Stress
  • Wearing clothing that irritates the nipple, such as:
    • Wool
    • Tight fitting bra
  • Frequent (daily) breast self-exam

Symptoms

The primary symptom is a milky discharge from the nipple that is not associated with breastfeeding. The discharge can come from one or both breasts. Other symptoms that can occur along with the discharge include:
  • Abnormal or absent menstruation
  • Infertility
  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Loss of sex drive
  • Headaches (in women and men)
  • Visual difficulties (in women and men)
  • Impotence (in men)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
  • Blood tests to check hormone levels
  • Pregnancy test
  • Imaging tests to check for a pituitary gland tumor in the brain:
    • MRI Scan ? a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
    • CT Scan ? a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
If the discharge is not milky or contains blood, tests may be done to check for breast cancer.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. In some mild cases, no medical treatment is necessary, and the condition will go away on its own. In these cases, breast binders that prevent stimulation of the nipples may be effective.
If an underlying cause for Galactorrhea , such as a pituitary tumor, is found, this condition may be treated.
Pituitary Tumor Treatment Tumors of the pituitary gland that cause Galactorrhea are usually benign. Small tumors may be treated with a medication, such as bromocriptine. Larger tumors may be treated with the following:
  • Surgery ? surgical removal of the tumor and nearby tissues
  • Radiation Therapy (or Radiotherapy) ? the use of radiation to shrink tumors. Radiation may be:
    • External Radiation Therapy ? radiation directed at the tumor from a source outside the body
    • Internal Radiation Therapy ? radioactive materials placed into the body near the tumor
Despite treatment, pituitary gland tumors often recur.

Prevention

To decrease the risk of Galactorrhea:
  • Avoid wearing clothing that irritates the breast
  • Avoid frequent breast self-exam; usually once a month is enough
  • Avoid excessive sexual stimulation of the breasts
  • Do not use illicit drugs