HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Noticed Milky Substance From Breasts After Abortion. Is This Normal?

default
Posted on Fri, 20 Dec 2013
Question: Hello doctor my wife had an abortion 3 times. Last she had in month of XXXXXXX Since last month a milky substance is coming out of her breasts. Is it normal? And now a days she also has cramps like pain in her lower abdomen. Kindly suggest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: MILD MILKY DISCHARGE IS NORMAL. FOLLOW GUIDELINE. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us on Healthcare Magic. Following abortion, mild milky discharge from breast is quite common and normal thing. It is usually seen till 4 to 8 weeks. The condition is called GALACTORRHEA in medical term. It occurs mostly due to elevation of prolactin hormone. Small amount milky discharge is less significant and quite physiological. If it occurs in large amount regularly or spontaneously, then underlying pathological conditions are required to investigate properly. 50% of the cases are without any pathology. UNDERLYING 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), 4) pituitary tumor or adenomas (causes overproduction of prolactin or compression of the pituitary stalk). Most adenomas of the anterior pituitary are prolactinomas. Increased prolactin level may cause amenorrhea or irregular cycle and infertility. It may be occurred by using birth control pills or cimetidine like H2 blocker. INVESTIGATION: 1) Blood test for prolactin level, complete thyroid profile initially if you have irregular period or amenorrhea. 2) Pelvic ultrasound scan to check status of reproductive organs and rule out underlying pathology if any (for pain abdomen). 3) 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 group of drug is used preferably to suppress milk secretion with lowering prolactin level. In addition, she can take anti-spasmodic medication (like Drotaverine) with Ranitidine to reduce abdominal cramp. Supportive therapy can be given after viewing necessary test reports. SUGGESTION: Kindly, consult with her GYNECOLOGIST regarding this for proper guidance on investigations and treatment after clinical examination. Procure a complete prescription from your doctor. Hope, it will be helpful for your information and understanding. Let me know, if you need clarification. Wish her good health and take care yourself. Regards, Dr Soumen For future query, you can directly approach me through WWW.WWWW.WW
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Soumen Patra

OB & GYN Specialist

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 4059 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Noticed Milky Substance From Breasts After Abortion. Is This Normal?

Brief Answer: MILD MILKY DISCHARGE IS NORMAL. FOLLOW GUIDELINE. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us on Healthcare Magic. Following abortion, mild milky discharge from breast is quite common and normal thing. It is usually seen till 4 to 8 weeks. The condition is called GALACTORRHEA in medical term. It occurs mostly due to elevation of prolactin hormone. Small amount milky discharge is less significant and quite physiological. If it occurs in large amount regularly or spontaneously, then underlying pathological conditions are required to investigate properly. 50% of the cases are without any pathology. UNDERLYING 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), 4) pituitary tumor or adenomas (causes overproduction of prolactin or compression of the pituitary stalk). Most adenomas of the anterior pituitary are prolactinomas. Increased prolactin level may cause amenorrhea or irregular cycle and infertility. It may be occurred by using birth control pills or cimetidine like H2 blocker. INVESTIGATION: 1) Blood test for prolactin level, complete thyroid profile initially if you have irregular period or amenorrhea. 2) Pelvic ultrasound scan to check status of reproductive organs and rule out underlying pathology if any (for pain abdomen). 3) 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 group of drug is used preferably to suppress milk secretion with lowering prolactin level. In addition, she can take anti-spasmodic medication (like Drotaverine) with Ranitidine to reduce abdominal cramp. Supportive therapy can be given after viewing necessary test reports. SUGGESTION: Kindly, consult with her GYNECOLOGIST regarding this for proper guidance on investigations and treatment after clinical examination. Procure a complete prescription from your doctor. Hope, it will be helpful for your information and understanding. Let me know, if you need clarification. Wish her good health and take care yourself. Regards, Dr Soumen For future query, you can directly approach me through WWW.WWWW.WW