Galactorrhea

Galactorrhea is a medical condition related to women in which discharge of milk is spontaneous from the breast even without the pregnancy. This problem occurs in women even in those who don't have children and reached the stage of menopause. It occurs in women between the age of 20 to 25 years and according to a report 5-32% women are affected with the condition. Though this condition may resolve on its own in many cases. Galactorrhea can also occur in men.

Symptoms of Galactorrhea include :

• Occasionally or constant leakage from one or both breasts.

• Irregular or no menstrual periods.

• Headaches.

What causes Galactorrhea ?

Causes of Galactorrhea can include side effects of certain medications, disorders of the pituitary gland and excessive breast stimulation. Most oftenly Galactorrhea is caused because of excessive production of prolactin, a hormone released in your brain by the pituitary gland that stimulates milk production when you give birth to a child. Pituitary gland is found in your brain which controls several hormones production. Causes of Galactorrhea include:

• sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and high blood pressure drugs.

• Excessive use of birth control pills.

• Chronic kidney disorder.

• Hypothyroidism

• Use of Opioid

• Tumors, injuries and spinal surgery.

• Prolactinoma or other disorders related to the pituitary gland.

• Use of some herbal supplements such as fennel, anise or fenugreek seed.

In Men :Galactorrhea in men can be caused with breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia) and testosterone deficiency (male hypogonadism). Lack of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction also are correlated with testosterone deficiency.

How Is Galactorrhea Diagnosed ?

Galactorrhea can be a sign of an underlying health issue so it is better to consult with a doctor if you are any of the symptoms. Tests for diagnosing Galactorrhea include :

• Physical Examination : In this test your doctor may check how much fluid comes out from your nipples when they are squeezed and examine the area around your nipples. breast lumps or other suspicious areas of thickened breast tissue may also be checked by the doctor.

• Blood Test : This test is to check prolactin level further your doctor may check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level if your prolactin hormone level is found elevated.

• Examination Of Discharged Fluid : Your doctor will examine the fluid discharged from your nipples and check out the presence of fat droplets in it.

• Imaging Test :CT scan or MRI scan to examine prolactinoma or other tumors associated with your pituitary gland and to check if there is any abnormality in breast tissues.

• Mammography Or Ultrasound :To produce images of breast tissues for identifying unusual lumps.

• Pregnancy Test : To check out if you are pregnant or not as this may be the cause of nipple discharge.

Treatments Of Galactorrhea :

Though in many cases the condition of Galactorrhea resolves on its own. But if it is showing a sign of an underlying health issue than it must require some treatment options which include :

• Avoiding Certain Medication : If your doctor suspects a medication is causing you this condition then you might be advised to stop taking the particular drug for some time til the condition is not resolved or else your doctor will prescribe an optional medication which you can take in place of the previous one.

• Medication To Reduce Excessive Production Of Prolactin : Some medication bromocriptine (Cycloset) or cabergoline (Dostinex) are used to shrink prolactinomas and other tumors that may be causing you excessive production of prolactin hormone.

• Medication To Treat Hypothyroidism : Use of levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, others) help to regulate hormone production by pituitary gland.

• Surgery For Prolactinoma : If medications do not respond enough then doctor may go for surgery for enlarged prolactinoma or other tumors.