What Do You Do If You Have Galactorrhea?

what to do if you have galactorrhea
Galactorrhea occurs when a milky or milk-like discharge leaks out of your nipples. Learn about causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Galactorrhea occurs when a milky or milk-like discharge leaks out of your nipples. If you are experiencing galactorrhea, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor will first try to find out what’s causing it and determine whether you have also been experiencing the following symptoms:

What causes galactorrhea?

Galactorrhea often results from excess production of prolactin, which is a hormone secreted by your pituitary gland. Your pituitary gland is located at the base of your brain, stimulating milk production in women. Other causes of galactorrhea include:

How is galactorrhea diagnosed?

Your doctor will perform a physical examination of your breast, pressing your nipples to look at the discharge and feeling for any lumps or hardness in your breast. They may also order tests including:

How is galactorrhea treated?

In most cases, your doctor may recommend treatment depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment may include:

  • Discontinuing medications that may be causing galactorrhea as a side effect and prescribing an alternative medication in its place
  • Prescribing medications that target prolactin production in your body such as:
  • Avoiding activities that may be causing galactorrhea such as:
    • Repeatedly stimulating your breasts and nipples
    • Conducting breast exams more often than once a month
    • Wearing clothes that irritate the breasts through rubbing or chafing
  • Treatments to shrink the pituitary tumor (if a pituitary tumor is the cause):

Using breast pads (absorbent liners placed in the bra) can help absorb milk leakage.

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References
Galactorrhea. https://familydoctor.org/condition/galactorrhea/

Galactorrhea. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/galactorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20350431