It triggers when you have too much of a hormone called prolactin.
Galactorrhea usually affects women of reproductive age, but it can also affect men.
What Is Galactorrhea?
Hero Images / Getty Images
This punch in of nipple discharge can come from only one nipple but it typically comes from both.
Galactorrhea occurs most commonly in women of reproductive age and in women who have been pregnant before.
Prolactinis a hormone produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of your brain.
The pituitary gland is part of the neuroendocrine system, which works to regulate many of your bodily functions.
Prolactin is normally present in small amounts that fluctuate daily.
Can I get pregnant with galactorrhea?
Medications
Galactorrhea is very often sparked by certain types of medications that affect your bodys prolactin balance.
Be sure to see your healthcare provider to discuss this.
Do not stop taking any medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Kidney Disease
Though rare, galactorrhea can occur in people with end-stage kidney disease.
Pituitary Tumor
The pituitary gland produces prolactin.
It is located at the base of your brain and is part of your bodys neuroendocrine system.
Tumors in the pituitary gland can cause elevated levels of prolactin, a condition known ashyperprolactinemia.
Elevated levels of prolactin due to a pituitary tumor will cause galactorrhea and amenorrhea or no menstrual periods.
Stress
Chronic stress can cause changes in your body that can result in increased levels of prolactin.
Is galactorrhea related to breast cancer?
Galactorrhea is not usually a sign of breast cancer, however, other types of nipple discharge can be.
A blood test may be ordered to check your prolactin levels.
If they’re high, your healthcare provider may also check your TSH levels.
Coping
Galactorrhea often does not require treatment, however, it may cause discomfort or embarrassment.
It is more common in women of reproductive age, but it can also affect older females and men.
Galactorrhea happens when there is too much of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the production of milk.
164: Diagnosis and management of benign breast disorders.Obstet Gynecol.
2016;127(6):e141-e156.
doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000001482
American Academy of Family Physicians.Galactorrhea.
Patrascu OM, Chopra D, Dwivedi S.Galactorrhoea: report of two cases.Maedica (Bucur).
2015;10(2):136-139.
2018;10(5):e2723.
doi:10.7759/cureus.2723
Hudson H, Dewhirst L, Nicholas J, Monaf A.Galactorrhoea in end-stage renal disease.Br J Ren Med.
2020;25(1):14-15.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prolactinoma.
Levine S, Muneyyirci-Delale O.Stress-induced hyperprolactinemia: pathophysiology and clinical approach.Obstet Gynecol Int.
2022;6(Suppl 1):A563.
doi:10.1210/jendso/bvac150.1169
MyHealth Alberta.Galactorrhea: Care instructions.
