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What Causes Leakage Of Breast Milk Without Pregnancy?
Question: HI I am 40 years old and had one biological child 9 years ago. I have occasional leakage of a scant amount of breast milk. I have spoken with my gynecologist about this several times and she has not been concerned, but when I spoke to my general practitioner, she want to run tests for prolactin and is wondering about a pituitary gland tumor. I do not have other symptoms, such as headaches or vision loss. Now, I have a lot of anxiety. What is the risk of cancer with a pituitary tumor? What are the treatment options? What are other possible causes for still creating breast milk this far after a birth? thank you, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Need some tests for evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
Leakage of breast milk without pregnancy is called galactorrhea in medical term. It occurs mostly due to elevation of prolactin hormone and is seen in 5 to 30% women of reproductive age group.
Little amount milky discharge is less significant and quite physiological. If it occurs in large amount or on regular basis or spontaneously, then underlying pathological conditions are needed to investigate properly. 50% of the cases are without any pathology.
COMMON CAUSES:
1) Excessive nipple stimulation or breast massage during sexual excitement.
2) Hormonal causes like hyperprolactinemia & hypothyroid state with elevated levels of TSH or TRH hormones.
3) Certain medications (methyldopa, opiates, antipsychotics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, birth control pill, Cimetidine).
4) pituitary adenomas (causing overproduction of prolactin or compression of the pituitary stalk. Cancer of pituitary gland is a very RARE entity.
INVESTIGATION: You need to undergo blood test for prolactin level, complete thyroid profile and pelvic ultrasound scan initially if you have H/O irregular or missed period.
In addition, one CT scan of brain & ultrasound scan of breast are advisable in case of abnormal report of above mentioned tests.
TREATMENT:
Bromocriptine or Cabergoline is usually given to suppress milky discharge where prolactin level is much high.
Kindly, consult with your gynecologist regarding this for proper guidance. Take proper treatment according to test reports.
Hope, I have answered your query. Wish your good health and take care yourself.
For future query, you can directly approach me through
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
Regards,
Need some tests for evaluation.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
Leakage of breast milk without pregnancy is called galactorrhea in medical term. It occurs mostly due to elevation of prolactin hormone and is seen in 5 to 30% women of reproductive age group.
Little amount milky discharge is less significant and quite physiological. If it occurs in large amount or on regular basis or spontaneously, then underlying pathological conditions are needed to investigate properly. 50% of the cases are without any pathology.
COMMON CAUSES:
1) Excessive nipple stimulation or breast massage during sexual excitement.
2) Hormonal causes like hyperprolactinemia & hypothyroid state with elevated levels of TSH or TRH hormones.
3) Certain medications (methyldopa, opiates, antipsychotics, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, birth control pill, Cimetidine).
4) pituitary adenomas (causing overproduction of prolactin or compression of the pituitary stalk. Cancer of pituitary gland is a very RARE entity.
INVESTIGATION: You need to undergo blood test for prolactin level, complete thyroid profile and pelvic ultrasound scan initially if you have H/O irregular or missed period.
In addition, one CT scan of brain & ultrasound scan of breast are advisable in case of abnormal report of above mentioned tests.
TREATMENT:
Bromocriptine or Cabergoline is usually given to suppress milky discharge where prolactin level is much high.
Kindly, consult with your gynecologist regarding this for proper guidance. Take proper treatment according to test reports.
Hope, I have answered your query. Wish your good health and take care yourself.
For future query, you can directly approach me through
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=63326
Regards,
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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