Galactorrhea: Everything You Need to Know

By
Healthfacts.ng
-

Galactorrhea may be a mouthful to pronounce, but it’s a condition that everyone needs to hear about. It is a disorder whereby the nipples secrete milk or a whitish, milk-like substance from the breasts. The strange part about it is the fact that it may affect women who have not gotten pregnant or given birth before. This means that galactorrhea is a milky discharge from the breast in people who are neither breastfeeding nor pregnant. It can also occur in women who have stopped breastfeeding for over six months but still experience the milky discharge from their breasts. 

This milky secretion can happen on its own, that is, spontaneously or when the breast is pressed. It can also affect both breasts or just one breast, and it may happen only for a while or continue for a long time.

What Causes Galactorrhea? 

A variety of factors can cause galactorrhea:

  • Hyperprolactinemia: Prolactin is a hormone that helps to develop breast tissue and supervises milk production and lactation, among other functions. The pituitary gland majorly secretes prolactin. Hyperprolactinemia occurs when there are higher-than-normal levels of prolactin in the blood. One of the most common causes of hyperprolactinemia is prolactinoma, a non-cancerous tumour that forms in the pituitary gland. 
  • Hormonal fluctuations in puberty and menopause can cause galactorrhea. 
  • Constant nipple stimulation associated with sexual activity or self-breast examination can also be a cause. 
  • Certain medications, like those used to treat schizophrenia, a mental disorder, can also cause it. Some oral contraceptives can also be a possible cause. 
  • Other conditions, such as thyroid disorders, chronic kidney failure, and hypothalamic lesions, may also cause it. 
  • Idiopathic galactorrhea occurs when there is no identified cause, even after undergoing the appropriate physical and laboratory examinations. 
  • Trauma or injury to the spinal cord and injury to the chest wall can cause an increase in prolactin, which can lead to galactorrhea. 
  • Some herbal supplements like fennel or fenugreek may also cause it.

Who Can Experience This Condition? 

It is a relatively common condition. Studies have shown that about 20-25% of women will experience galactorrhea in their lifetime.  Surprisingly, it can also affect men, children, and newborn babies. 

milky discharge around nipple

What are The Symptoms of Galactorrhea? 

The hallmark of this condition is the persistent discharge of milky or whitish substance from the breast, which may occur on its own or only when the nipple is expressed. It is usually painless. 

Other associated symptoms are :

  • Irregular or absent menstrual periods
  • Headaches or problems with the vision
  • Loss of appetite
  • Infertility
  • Excessive urination
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Erectile dysfunction 
  • Acne

The type of symptoms that occur alongside galactorrhea may be a good pointer as to its root cause. 

Is Galactorrhea Life-Threatening? 

Galactorrhea is generally not a life-threatening condition, but proper investigation should be done to ascertain the underlying cause. If you’re experiencing this, you should see a doctor immediately.

You can also learn more about the types of breast lumps and which ones are a cause for concern. 

Is There Treatment for This Condition? 

Yes, there is. It is important to note that treatment depends on the cause of the condition. This means that it may not stop until the underlying cause is treated. 

Placing absorbent pads in the bra can help to prevent staining of the bra or clothes. 

Sometimes, it may stop by itself. 

Do you have any other questions or inquiries? Feel free to drop a comment, and I promise to reply!

Kindly subscribe to this newsletter for more helpful health tips

Till my next post,

sparkly gif showing 2 hearts intertwined with transitioning colurs

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

319 COMMENTS

  2. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & aid other users like its helped me. Good job.

  4. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  7. Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I’m experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting an identical rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx

  10. I simply desired to say thanks again. I’m not certain the things that I could possibly have handled without those solutions provided by you regarding this concern. Previously it was a daunting case for me personally, however , discovering the specialised approach you treated that forced me to jump with contentment. I am thankful for your help and as well , pray you comprehend what a great job you happen to be undertaking teaching people today thru your web site. I am sure you have never come across all of us.

  11. I intended to send you the little remark just to give thanks over again for your nice secrets you have documented at this time. This has been simply open-handed with you to present unhampered exactly what many individuals would have made available for an electronic book to help with making some profit on their own, most importantly given that you could have done it if you ever wanted. The guidelines as well acted as the fantastic way to be aware that many people have the identical dreams similar to mine to know more and more regarding this matter. I am certain there are millions of more fun moments up front for folks who look into your blog post.

  14. fantastic post, very informative. I wonder why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  17. Good ?V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task..

  20. Thanks for your marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will come back from now on. I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice weekend!

  21. You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually one thing which I think I would by no means understand. It seems too complex and extremely extensive for me. I am having a look forward to your next put up, I will try to get the hold of it!

  22. A person essentially lend a hand to make severely posts I would state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the analysis you made to create this particular publish amazing. Great process!

  23. Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  25. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any methods to help protect against content from being stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.

  28. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Reading this information So i am happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this web site and give it a look regularly.

  30. Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to exchange methods with other folks, why not shoot me an email if interested.

  34. Throughout the awesome pattern of things you get an A+ for hard work. Where you confused me ended up being on the facts. As people say, details make or break the argument.. And it could not be much more true at this point. Having said that, let me inform you exactly what did give good results. Your article (parts of it) is extremely convincing and that is possibly the reason why I am taking an effort in order to comment. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Second, whilst I can easily notice the leaps in reason you make, I am not certain of just how you seem to unite the points which inturn produce the final result. For now I will, no doubt subscribe to your point but hope in the near future you link your dots much better.

  36. Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.

  37. I’ve been browsing online more than three hours nowadays, yet I never found any attention-grabbing article like yours. It is lovely value enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the internet can be a lot more useful than ever before.

  42. Excellent goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful web site.

  54. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  112. Sumatra Slim Belly Tonic is an advanced weight loss supplement that addresses the underlying cause of unexplained weight gain. It focuses on the effects of blue light exposure and disruptions in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.

  113. Zeneara is marketed as an expert-formulated health supplement that can improve hearing and alleviate tinnitus, among other hearing issues. The ear support formulation has four active ingredients to fight common hearing issues. It may also protect consumers against age-related hearing problems.

  119. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  120. I simply needed to appreciate you yet again. I am not sure the things I would have implemented in the absence of those recommendations shared by you relating to such a field. It actually was a real depressing case in my circumstances, however , viewing the expert mode you treated it made me to jump over delight. I am just happier for your support as well as have high hopes you are aware of a great job you are always doing educating some other people through your webblog. Most probably you’ve never met any of us.

  121. Usually I don’t read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.

  122. Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!

  123. I have been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I so much indubitably will make sure to do not overlook this website and give it a look on a relentless basis.

  125. hello there and thank you on your info – I have certainly picked up anything new from proper here. I did however experience several technical points using this website, as I experienced to reload the site lots of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I were thinking about in case your hosting is OK? No longer that I am complaining, but slow loading cases times will sometimes have an effect on your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Anyway I am including this RSS to my email and can glance out for a lot extra of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you replace this once more very soon..

  127. With every little thing which appears to be developing within this subject matter, a significant percentage of points of view are rather exciting. Nonetheless, I beg your pardon, because I can not subscribe to your whole suggestion, all be it refreshing none the less. It looks to us that your remarks are generally not entirely validated and in actuality you are generally yourself not thoroughly confident of the assertion. In any case I did take pleasure in examining it.

  128. Medications and prescription drug information for consumers and medical health professionals. Online database of the most popular drugs and their side effects, interactions, and use.

  146. Appreciate it for helping out, excellent information. “I have witnessed the softening of the hardest of hearts by a simple smile.” by Goldie Hawn.

  151. I discovered your weblog site on google and test a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the excellent operate. I simply extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Searching for ahead to studying more from you afterward!…

  155. Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to search out a lot of helpful info right here in the post, we want work out more strategies on this regard, thanks for sharing.

  158. A lot of whatever you state happens to be supprisingly legitimate and that makes me ponder the reason why I had not looked at this in this light previously. This particular article really did switch the light on for me personally as far as this particular issue goes. Nevertheless at this time there is 1 issue I am not too comfy with and whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the core theme of your issue, let me see just what all the rest of the readers have to say.Very well done.

  159. Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.

  162. Somebody essentially lend a hand to make critically articles I’d state. This is the first time I frequented your website page and up to now? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this actual post extraordinary. Wonderful process!

  165. After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.

  169. Hey this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding skills so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  177. Normally I do not read article on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.

  184. A formidable share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit evaluation on this. And he in reality bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If attainable, as you turn into experience, would you thoughts updating your weblog with more particulars? It is extremely helpful for me. Huge thumb up for this blog post!

  186. Appreciating the persistence you put into your site and in depth information you offer. It’s good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Wonderful read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  187. Very nice info and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is in fact the best place to ask but do you folks have any ideea where to hire some professional writers? Thx 🙂

  188. Spot on with this write-up, I actually suppose this web site wants way more consideration. I’ll most likely be once more to learn rather more, thanks for that info.

  191. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  192. Very well written article. It will be useful to everyone who usess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.

  193. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your great writing because of this problem.

  200. My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different web page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to checking out your web page yet again.

  203. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get irked while people consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  205. Thank you for another informative web site. The place else may I get that type of information written in such a perfect manner? I’ve a undertaking that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such information.

  206. Someone essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish incredible. Wonderful job!

  207. I was just searching for this info for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your site. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that don’t rank this type of informative web sites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.

  209. Can I simply say what a relief to seek out someone who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know tips on how to deliver a difficulty to mild and make it important. More individuals have to learn this and perceive this side of the story. I cant consider youre not more common since you definitely have the gift.

  210. Nice read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch because I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “The capacity to care is what gives life its most deepest significance.” by Pablo Casals.

  223. Nice blog here! Also your web site a lot up very fast! What web host are you the use of? Can I get your associate hyperlink on your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  231. I was more than happy to find this net-site.I wished to thanks in your time for this excellent learn!! I definitely having fun with each little little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

  232. I have been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I eventually stumbled upon this website. Studying this info So i¦m happy to express that I’ve a very good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I so much no doubt will make certain to do not fail to remember this web site and give it a look on a continuing basis.

  234. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

  236. Hi there! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My blog looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to correct this issue. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!

  238. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this particular information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  240. Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!

  241. hello!,I really like your writing very so much! proportion we keep in touch more about your post on AOL? I need a specialist in this area to unravel my problem. Maybe that is you! Having a look ahead to look you.

  242. I am now not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend a while studying more or understanding more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.

  243. I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very short for beginners. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  247. Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a entirely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!

  248. Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I in finding It really helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to offer something back and help others like you aided me.

  250. I like what you guys are up too. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂

  253. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web site is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you?¦ve on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal web-site.

  255. Woah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s hard to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance. I must say that you’ve done a great job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Safari. Outstanding Blog!

  257. Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  258. Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your website in internet explorer, might check this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a huge part of folks will leave out your wonderful writing because of this problem.

  260. After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any method you possibly can take away me from that service? Thanks!

  271. I do not even understand how I finished up here, however I believed this put up used to be good. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger in the event you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  274. great post, very informative. I’m wondering why the other specialists of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  278. What i do not realize is if truth be told how you’re no longer really a lot more neatly-favored than you might be right now. You are so intelligent. You understand thus considerably in the case of this topic, produced me in my opinion consider it from so many numerous angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested except it?¦s one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your individual stuffs great. At all times care for it up!

  281. I would like to express appreciation to this writer for bailing me out of such a condition. Just after surfing through the the net and seeing concepts which are not pleasant, I figured my life was over. Existing without the approaches to the problems you’ve resolved by way of your entire article content is a serious case, as well as ones which could have badly affected my career if I had not discovered the blog. Your capability and kindness in playing with everything was useful. I am not sure what I would have done if I had not come upon such a step like this. I can also now relish my future. Thank you so much for the specialized and effective help. I will not hesitate to refer your web page to any individual who ought to have direction about this situation.

  284. I simply desired to appreciate you once more. I do not know what I might have done in the absence of those ideas shown by you directly on such field. It was actually an absolute daunting setting for me, nevertheless spending time with your skilled technique you resolved the issue made me to leap with fulfillment. Extremely happier for the help and in addition pray you really know what an amazing job your are providing teaching the mediocre ones by way of your website. Most probably you haven’t come across all of us.

  286. There are some interesting closing dates on this article however I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There’s some validity but I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we want extra! Added to FeedBurner as properly

  288. Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness for your submit is just nice and that i could think you are an expert in this subject. Well along with your permission let me to take hold of your feed to keep up to date with approaching post. Thanks one million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  289. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content from other writers and practice a little something from their store. I’d prefer to use some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  291. I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

  304. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm

  307. Nice post. I learn one thing more difficult on completely different blogs everyday. It is going to at all times be stimulating to read content from other writers and follow a bit of something from their store. I’d favor to use some with the content on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

  309. Fitspresso is a brand-new natural weight loss aid designed to work on the root cause of excess and unexplained weight gain. The supplement uses an advanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy weight loss by targeting the fat cells’ circadian rhythm

  310. sugar defender drops is a potent and effective way to support healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day. As your body adjusts to the ingredients, you’ll notice reduced hunger, increased energy, and improved blood sugar readings.

  314. Wow, wonderful blog structure! How long have you been running a blog for? you make running a blog look easy. The total glance of your web site is excellent, let alone the content material!

  315. I was more than happy to search out this web-site.I needed to thanks in your time for this glorious learn!! I undoubtedly enjoying each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

LEAVE A REPLY