Galactorrhea

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Often, the milky discharge associated with galactorrhea goes away on its own. Until that time, minimize the likelihood of nipple discharge by avoiding stimulating your breasts. These tips may help:

  • Don't touch your nipples during sexual activity.
  • Avoid performing breast self-exams more frequently than once a month.
  • Wear clothing that minimizes friction between the fabric and your nipples.

You could also use breast pads to protect yourself from leaks that might otherwise be embarrassing.

Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Lobo RA. Hyperprolactinemia, galactorrhea, and pituitary adenomas: Etiology,
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Snyder PJ. Causes of hyperprolactinemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2010.
  5. Mancini T, et al. Hyperprolactinemia and Prolactinomas. Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America. 2008;37:67.
  6. Snyder PJ. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2010.
  7. Snyder PJ. Treatment of hyperprolactinemia due to lactotroph adenoma and other causes. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 24, 2010.
  8. 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.
  9. Pruthi S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 3, 2010.
  10. Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 8, 2010.
DS00761 July 22, 2010

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