Galactorrhea is a medical condition characterized by the spontaneous and abnormal production of breast milk in individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. The term "galactorrhea" is derived from the Greek words "galaktos," which means milk, and "rhea," which means flow.
Normally, the production of breast milk is regulated by hormones released during pregnancy and after childbirth. However, in cases of galactorrhea, this process occurs outside the typical circumstances and can affect both men and women.
The most common cause of galactorrhea is an elevation in the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production. Prolactin secretion is usually controlled by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain, but various factors can disrupt this balance, such as certain medications, hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, tumors in the pituitary gland, stress, or excessive breast stimulation.
Symptoms of galactorrhea may include spontaneous production of milk or fluid from one or both breasts, breast tenderness or pain, irregular menstrual periods, or changes in libido. However, some individuals may experience no accompanying symptoms apart from milk production.
Treatment of galactorrhea often involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve discontinuing or changing medications, managing stress levels, or treating hormonal imbalances. In some cases, medication to decrease prolactin levels may be prescribed. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the cause and appropriate treatment for galactorrhea.
