Galactorrhea and Symptoms |Doctor in the house

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.

Excessive breast stimulation, medication side effects 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.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms associated with galactorrhea include:

1. Persistent or intermittent milky nipple discharge that has no trace of blood
2. Nipple discharge involving multiple milk ducts
3. Spontaneously leaked or manually expressed nipple discharge
4. One or both breasts affected
5. Absent or irregular menstrual periods
6. Headaches or vision problems