Pharmacy Clinical Pearl of the Day: Galactorrhea

Clinical Pearl of the Day: Galactorrhea

Galactorrhea is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding.

Insight:

• Galactorrhea itself isn't a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem.
• It typically occurs in women, even those who have never had children, or after menopause.
• Galactorrhea can happen in men and even in infants.
• Excessive breast stimulation, medication adverse effects, or disorders of the pituitary gland all may contribute to galactorrhea.
• Symptoms include persistent milky nipple discharge, one or both breasts affected, absent or irregular menstrual periods, headaches, or vision problems.
• Causes: Medications, opioid use, herbal supplements, birth control pills, chronic kidney disease, excessive breast stimulation, nerve damage, spinal cord surgery, and stress.
• Diagnosis: Physical exam, blood test, pregnancy test, mammography, ultrasound, and possible MRI.
• Treatment may include stopping some medications that cause galactorrhea—levothyroxine if thyroid gland is involved; taking medications to make the tumors smaller for surgery; and taking medications, such as bromocriptine or cabergoline, to lower the prolactin levels.

Sources:

• Galactorrhea - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
• Galactorrhea - Milky Nipple Discharge (or) Lactation In The Absence of Pregnancy (medindia.net)