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HERWriter Guide

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

Galactorrhea is a discharge of milk-like or clear substance from the breast that is not associated with breast-feeding after pregnancy. It is often referred to as non-puerpial (not pregnancy-related) galactorrhea. This condition mainly occurs in women. It does occur in men, but much less commonly. The milky white discharge can come from one or both breasts, and the breast may leak fluid with or without stimulation.

Galactorrhea has many causes, though sometimes the cause is unknown. Tumors of the pituitary gland, called pituitary adenomas or prolactinomas, can cause galactorrhea. The pituitary is a small gland attached to the brain. Pituitary tumors are usually not cancerous. They can cause galactorrhea when they produce excess prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production.

Other causes of galactorrhea include:

Hormonal imbalance, such as hypothyroidism
Some medicines, such as:
Stopping or starting to take birth control pills or other hormones
Blood pressure drugs
Tricyclic antidepressants
Tranquilizers (antipsychotics)
Antinausea drugs
Some antigastroesophageal reflux medicines
Some pain killers
Certain herbs, including:
Nettle
Fennel
Blessed thistle
Anise
Fenugreek seed
Illicit drugs, such as:
Marijuana
Opiates
Sexual stimulation of the breast
Certain diseases, including:
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Chronic kidney failure
Chronic liver disease ( cirrhosis )
Sarcoidosis
Chronic emotional stress

See your doctor for further information.
Best,
Susan

May 28, 2018 - 10:46am

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