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Diseases & Conditions

Galactorrhea
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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. But galactorrhea can happen in
men and even in infants.

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Excessive breast stimulation, medication

side e!ects or disorders of the pituitary
gland all may contribute to galactorrhea.
Often, galactorrhea results from increased
levels of prolactin, the hormone that
stimulates milk production.
Sometimes, the cause of galactorrhea can't
be determined. The condition may resolve
on its own.

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Symptoms
Signs and symptoms associated with
galactorrhea include:
Persistent or intermittent milky nipple
discharge
Nipple discharge involving multiple
milk ducts
Spontaneously leaked or manually
expressed nipple discharge
One or both breasts a!ected
Absent or irregular menstrual periods
Headaches or vision problems

When to see a doctor

If you have a persistent, spontaneous milky
nipple discharge from one or both of your
breasts and you're not pregnant or breast-
feeding, make an appointment to see your
doctor.
If breast stimulation — such as excessive
nipple manipulation during sexual activity —
triggers nipple discharge from multiple
ducts, you have little cause for worry. The
discharge probably doesn't signal anything
abnormal, and this discharge often resolves
on its own. If you have persistent discharge
that doesn't go away, make an appointment
with your doctor to get it checked out.
Nonmilky nipple discharge — particularly
bloody, yellow or clear spontaneous
discharge that comes from one duct or is
associated with a lump you can feel —
requires prompt medical attention, as it
may be a sign of an underlying breast
cancer.

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Causes
Pituitary gland and hypothalamus
Enlarge image

Galactorrhea often results from having too

much prolactin — the hormone responsible
for milk production when you have a baby.
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
Opioid use
Herbal supplements, such as fennel,
anise or fenugreek seed
Birth control pills
A noncancerous pituitary tumor
(prolactinoma) or other disorder of the
pituitary gland
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Chronic kidney disease
Excessive breast stimulation, which
may be associated with sexual activity,
frequent breast self-exams with nipple
manipulation or prolonged clothing
friction
Nerve damage to the chest wall from
chest surgery, burns or other chest
injuries
Spinal cord surgery, injury or tumors
Stress

Idiopathic galactorrhea
Sometimes doctors can't find a cause for
galactorrhea. This is called idiopathic
galactorrhea, and it may just mean that your
breast tissue is particularly sensitive to the
milk-producing hormone prolactin in your
blood. If you have increased sensitivity to
prolactin, even normal prolactin levels can
lead to galactorrhea.

Galactorrhea in men
In males, galactorrhea may be associated
with testosterone deficiency (male
hypogonadism) and usually occurs with
breast enlargement or tenderness
(gynecomastia). Erectile dysfunction and a
lack of sexual desire also are associated
with testosterone deficiency.

Galactorrhea in newborns
Galactorrhea sometimes occurs in
newborns. High maternal estrogen levels
cross the placenta into the baby's blood.
This can cause enlargement of the baby's
breast tissue, which may be associated with
a milky nipple discharge. This milky
discharge is temporary and resolves on its
own. If the discharge is persistent, the
newborn should be evaluated by a doctor.

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Diagnosis & treatment

Feb. 09, 2023

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