Galactorrhea Symptoms, Causes and More
Article Sources
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- 2. 'Evaluation and Management of Galactorrhea.’ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962879/
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- 4. Education, Pediatric, and Pediatric Education. ‘How Long Does Neonatal Galactorrhea Last?’ PediatricEducation.org™, pediatriceducation.org/2020/05/25/how-long-does-neonatal-galactorrhea-last/
- 5. 'Chiari Frommel Syndrome.’ NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/chiari-frommel-syndrome/
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- 7. Leung, Alexander K.C., and Daniele Pacaud. ‘Diagnosis and Management of Galactorrhea.’ American Family Physician, 1 Aug. 2004, www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0801/p543.html
Galactorrhea occurs when the nipples leak a milky discharge in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. It can also occur in men and babies, but it's more prevalent among women aged 20 to 35. It may occur in one or both breasts.
The secretion isn't the same as the milk that's secreted during and after pregnancy. Alarming as it may be to see milk or a milk-like substance leaking from the nipple, it's typically not a serious symptom. However, there are rare cases in which galactorrhea may indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
