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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffGalactorrhea is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding. Galactorrhea itself isn't a disease, but it's a sign of an underlying problem. Although it occurs most often in women, galactorrhea can happen in men and even sometimes 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, and the condition goes away on its own.
- Lobo RA. Hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea, and pituitary adenomas: Etiology,
- differential diagnosis, natural history, management. In: Katz VL, et al., eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202383887-3/1002403495/1524/257.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50042-X_1261. Accessed May 24, 2010.
- Ferri FF. Galactorrhea. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202383887-3/1002403495/2088/252.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00016-2--sc0010_5179. Accessed May 24, 2010.
- Snyder PJ. Causes of hyperprolactinemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2010.
- Mancini T, et al. Hyperprolactinemia and Prolactinomas. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America. 2008;37:67.
- Snyder PJ. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2010.
- Snyder PJ. Treatment of hyperprolactinemia due to lactotroph adenoma and other causes. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2010.
- Iglehart JD. Diseases of the breast. In: Townsend CM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/202388075-8/0/1565/325.html?tocnode=54737836&fromURL=325.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3675-3..X5001-1--section7_1642. Accessed May 24, 2010.
- Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 3, 2010.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 8, 2010.
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