Galactorrhea is a discharge of milk from the breast that can be caused by certain medications, herbal supplements, birth control pills, stress, prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, or chronic kidney disease. It typically happens in women but it can also occur in men and even infants.
Although galactorrhea isn’t a disease, it can indicate an underlying problem. Galactorrhea stems from abnormally elevated levels of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that’s produced by the pituitary gland located at the base of your brain. The pituitary gland is part of the neuroendocrine system which works to manage many of your body functions. Let’s look at four surprising causes of milky nipple discharge:
1. Medications and herbal supplements
Galactorrhea is often the result of the intake of certain types of medications that affect prolactin levels in the body. These medications can interfere with dopamine production. This hormone inhibits prolactin release. Other types of medications can directly stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more prolactin. Types of medications that can provoke galactorrhea include:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Antihypertensives
- Opioids
- Oral contraceptives
If you’re currently taking any of these medications and you have milky nipple discharge, it is likely that the medication is the cause. Don’t stop taking any medication without first discussing it with your doctor.
Certain herbal supplements can provoke galactorrhea. These include:
- Fenugreek
- Fennels seeds
- Red clover
2. Stress
Stress can do anything to your body. Having prolonged stress can result in:
- Respiratory and cardiovascular problems
- Type 2 diabetes
- Acid reflux
- Erectile dysfunction
- Susceptibility to viral infections
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Grinding teeth
Galactorrhea can be provoked by chronic stress as well. Wondering how that happens? Chronic stress causes changes in your body that can contribute to increased levels of prolactin the lactation hormone.
3. Breast stimulation
If chronic stress can raise your prolactin levels, it isn't hard to imagine that breast stimulation can do the same. Repetitive and intense nipple stimulation even if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding can provoke hormonal changes that can raise prolactin levels and cause galactorrhea.
4. Pituitary tumor and other tumors near the pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is the major endocrine gland that’s located at the base of your brain. It’s responsible for prolactin production.
Tumors that occur in the pituitary gland provoking increased levels of prolactin, a condition called hyperprolactinemia. Too high levels of prolactin due to a pituitary tumor will cause galactorrhea and amenorrhea ( the absence of menstrual periods). Because of the location of the pituitary gland, if the tumor is large enough it can also cause headaches and visual symptoms.
Other tumors can press on the pituitary gland and stop the production of dopamine which regulates the amount of prolactin in your body. If your body doesn’t produce enough dopamine, the pituitary gland might produce too much prolactin which can eventually lead to galactorrhea.
Galactorrhea Treatment
Galactorrhea treatment typically depends on the root cause. Your doctor might choose one of the following treatments:
- Taking medication that inhibits prolactin production by increasing dopamine levels. Bromocriptine or cabergoline are usually used to treat hyperprolactinemia. They help shrink prolactinomas and other tumors.
- Avoiding medications that may be raising your prolactin levels. If you think you’re taking medication that increases your prolactin levels, talk with your healthcare provider about it.
- Surgery to remove tumors that could cause hyperprolactinemia. If you don’t respond to medications that are used to treat high prolactin levels, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumor.
Galactorrhea is a condition that requires medical attention. If you have any nipple discharge, you should start treatment as soon as possible to prevent any consequences.
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