What is the definition of galactorrhea?

Overview. Galactorrhea (guh-lack-toe-REE-uh) is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding. Galactorrhea itself isn’t a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. It usually occurs in women, even those who have never had children or after menopause.

How is galactorrhea caused?

What causes galactorrhea?

• Being pregnant.
• Taking medications including birth control pills, blood pressure medicine, or antidepressants.
• Over stimulating the breasts (through sexual activity or frequent self-exams)
• Thyroid disorders.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Wearing clothing that rubs or scratches the breasts.

What is another name for galactorrhea?

Galactorrhea (also spelled galactorrhoea) (galacto- + -rrhea) or lactorrhea (lacto- + -rrhea) is the spontaneous flow of milk from the breast, unassociated with childbirth or nursing. Galactorrhea is reported to occur in 5–32% of women.

Is galactorrhea actually milk?

Galactorrhea (guh-LACK-toe-REE-uh) is milk discharge from the breast that is unrelated to breastfeeding or that happens at least one year after stopping breastfeeding. It usually happens in both breasts, but it can also happen in only one.

Which is the most common cause of galactorrhea?

The most common pathologic cause of galactorrhea is a pituitary tumor. Other causes include hypothalamic and pituitary stalk lesions, neurogenic stimulation, thyroid disorders, and chronic renal failure.

What causes breast lactation?

Reasons for lactating when not recently pregnant can range from hormone imbalances to medication side effects to other health conditions. The most common cause of breast milk production is an elevation of a hormone produced in the brain called prolactin.

What causes milk discharge from breast?

Nipple discharge is a typical part of breast function during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may also be associated with menstrual hormone changes and fibrocystic changes. The milky discharge after breast-feeding usually affects both breasts and can continue for up to two or three years after stopping nursing.

Can boy nipples make milk?

Yes, in theory, men can breastfeed. Male breasts have milk ducts, and some mammary tissue. They also have oxytocin and prolactin, the hormones responsible for milk production.

Can a woman produce milk without having a baby?

Hormones signal the mammary glands in your body to start producing milk to feed the baby. But it’s also possible for women who have never been pregnant — and even men — to lactate. This is called galactorrhea, and it can happen for a variety of reasons.

Can teenage girl produce milk without pregnancy?

Galactorrhea (say “guh-lak-tuh-REE-uh”) happens when a teen’s breasts make milk but she is not pregnant. The milk may leak from one or both breasts. Sometimes milk leaks only when the breast is touched.

What causes lactation in females?

Normally, the natural production of breast milk (lactation) is triggered by a complex interaction between three hormones — estrogen, progesterone and human placental lactogen — during the final months of pregnancy.

Does milk come out of nipples?

Nipple: Your nipple contains several tiny pores (up to about 20) that secrete milk. Nerves on your nipple respond to suckling (either by a baby, your hands or a breast pump). This stimulation tells your brain to release milk from the alveoli through the milk ducts and out of your nipple.

What is the meaning of lactose intolerance?

1. an abnormally persistent flow of milk. 2. secretion of milk from the breast of a nonlactating person.

Is galactorrhea a disease?

Galactorrhea itself isn’t a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. It usually occurs in women, even those who have never had children or after menopause. But galactorrhea can happen in men and even in infants.

What causes galactorrhea and prolactin?

Prolactin is produced by your pituitary gland, a small bean-shaped gland at the base of your brain that secretes and regulates several hormones. Possible causes of galactorrhea include: Medications, such as certain sedatives, antidepressants, antipsychotics and high blood pressure drugs