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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffWhen needed, treatment focuses on resolving the underlying cause of galactorrhea.
Sometimes doctors can't determine an exact cause of galactorrhea, but it needs to be treated anyway. This might be the case if you experience bothersome or embarrassing nipple discharge. In such instances, you might be given a medication to block the effects of prolactin or to lower the amount of prolactin in your body. Reducing prolactin levels may eliminate galactorrhea.
| Underlying cause of galactorrhea | Possible treatment |
|---|---|
| Medication use | Stop taking medication, change dose or switch to another medication. Make medication changes only if your doctor says it's OK to do so. |
| Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) | Take a medication, such as levothyroxine, to counter insufficient hormone production by your thyroid gland (thyroid replacement therapy). |
| Pituitary tumor (prolactinoma) | Use a medication to shrink the tumor or have surgery to remove it. |
| Unknown cause | Try a medication to lower your prolactin level, such as bromocriptine (Parlodel) or cabergoline (Dostinex), and minimize or eliminate nipple discharge. |
Surgery
If galactorrhea persists and you can't take any of the medications that might work to relieve your symptoms — or if medications aren't working for you — surgery may be an option. In that case, your doctor may refer you to a surgeon to discuss the possibility of bilateral total duct excision — surgically removing the milk ducts from both of your breasts.
- 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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