Galactorrhea is a condition that occurs in women who are not breastfeeding or in men, characterized by the production of milk in the breasts and its leakage from the nipples. It is usually caused by the overproduction of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland and often referred to as the milk hormone. However, many different factors can contribute to this overproduction.
What causes galactorrhea?
Galactorrhea, which often occurs as a side effect of medications, can also be caused by many different psychological or physiological reasons. The most common causes of galactorrhea are as follows:
- Brain tumors that cause milk production from the breasts due to disruption of bodily secretions.
- Hormone medications used by thyroid patients
- Kidney diseases that interfere with the functioning of the adrenal glands or cause them to overwork.
- Sarcoidosis in the pituitary gland
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Medications used to treat depression, birth control pills, or some blood pressure medications.
- Environmental factors include stress, a protein-focused diet, excessive nipple stimulation, and sudden or prolonged hormonal changes.
Galactorrhea Symptoms
The symptoms of galactorrhea can manifest differently in men and women. The most common symptoms of galactorrhea are changes in the menstrual cycle, breast tenderness, breast swelling, sexual dysfunction in men, and visual disturbances.
If galactorrhea persists for more than a week along with the symptoms listed above, the individual should consult a doctor immediately, undergo necessary examinations, and begin treatment.
Galactorrhea Treatment
In the treatment of galactorrhea, blood tests are taken because blood prolactin levels are important. It is also necessary to check the patient's medications and examine the mammary glands. If blood prolactin levels are high, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to visualize a possible prolactinoma.
After evaluating all symptoms, a tumor investigation, examination of the pituitary and adrenal glands, and investigation of pregnancy are performed. If the cause of galactorrhea is diagnosed through these tests, treatment begins. During treatment, the patient is prescribed medications that increase dopamine, a substance that suppresses prolactin production. These medications do not eliminate the tumor but have a positive effect on the disease while they are used. However, if the pituitary tumor is large and cannot be controlled with medication, surgical treatment may be recommended.
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