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Galactorrhea


About this topic


Some people may have a milky discharge come out of one or both breasts. This happens even though they are not breast-feeding. This condition is galactorrhea. Most often, this happens in women. It may also happen in men or newborn babies. The breasts may leak when touched or without being touched. Sometimes, this problem will go away on its own. In newborn babies, the problem most often goes away within 2 weeks. ‚  

What are the causes?


  • Problems with hormones
    • Raised level of a milk-producing hormone called prolactin
    • Low testosterone levels in men
    • High testosterone levels in newborns
    • Low thyroid hormones
  • Injuries or conditions
    • Tumors
    • Nerve damage to the chest
    • Spinal cord injury
    • Kidney disease
    • Pregnancy
  • Other problems
    • Certain drugs or vitamins
    • Too much breast stimulation from sex activity, clothing that bothers the breasts, or doing breast exams often

What are the main signs?


There is most often a milky white discharge from one or both nipples. The discharge may look yellow or greenish in color. It should not be bloody. Women may also have irregular periods, headaches, and a lower interest in sex. They may also have problems with seeing and notice more pimples. Some women have hair growth on the chin or chest. Men often notice problems getting an erection and a lower interest in sex. ‚  

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will do a breast exam to check for any lumps or problems in the breasts. Your doctor also may try to get some discharge from the breast by pressing or squeezing near the nipple. The doctor may order tests like: ‚  
  • Lab test on the milky discharge
  • Blood tests
  • Pregnancy test
  • Mammogram
  • Ultrasound
  • MRI of brain to check the pituitary gland

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor will work to treat what is causing the problem. The doctor may: ‚  
  • Order drugs
  • Do surgery on the pituitary gland or on the breasts
  • Give radiation therapy to the pituitary gland
  • Suggest you wear breast pads to stop leakage through clothing

Are there other health problems to treat?


If the cause of this problem is found to be something like a pituitary tumor or kidney disease, these problems will need to be treated. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Change your hormone levels
  • Treat pituitary tumors

What problems could happen?


Discharge from the nipple could be a sign of breast cancer or a pituitary tumor. It is important to see a doctor if you have any discharge from the nipple. ‚  

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Avoid breast stimulation during sex activity.
  • Avoid tight-fitting or irritating clothing on the breasts.
  • Do not do breast exams more than once a month.

Where can I learn more?


FamilyDoctor.org ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/galactorrhea.printerview.all.html ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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