Galactorrhea is a condition in which there would be milky discharge from the nipples. It is not usual milk production while breast feeding the baby and it can occur in men and even on children. Very often this condition is observed in women but sometimes it can develop on men. Any problem in the pituitary gland and adverse effect of certain medicines can cause this disorder. The milk like secretion occurs when there is increased production of prolactin hormone which in turn triggers milk secretion.
Symptoms :
There would be milky secretion from the nipples causing wetness on the breast area. It may occur either on both the breasts or on one side and there may be continuous milk production or irregular secretion of milk from the nipple. Again the milk secretion occur spontaneously or when the person manually press the breast to take out the milk.
Women affected with galactorrhea may have irregular periods and sometimes the menstrual cycles are totally absent. She may be under the treatment for hormone problem and continuously using medications.
In rare cases, there would be yellowish or reddish secretion from the nipples which is indicative of breast cancer.
Causes :
Very often, this disorder is caused due to hormonal imbalance. Prolactin hormone is produced in excess triggering milk secretion. It is the hormone that is responsible for lactation when a woman becomes pregnant. Pituitary gland induces the production of this hormone at regular intervals whenever there is a need for breastfeeding the child.
Chronic emotional stress and prolonged usage of herbal products like fenugreek seeds and fennel can trigger milky secretion.
People who are using birth control pills for long periods or using tranquilizers or anti-depression drugs for long can have this problem. Hypothyroidism can trigger prolactin hormone producing milk. People with chronic kidney problem and those with tumor in the pituitary gland can get galactorrhea.