Galactorrhea Symptoms, Causes and More
Article Sources
- 1. Leung, Alexander K.C., and Daniele Pacaud. ‘Diagnosis and Management of Galactorrhea.’ American Family Physician, 1 Aug. 2004, aafp.org/afp/2004/0801/p543.html
- 2. 'Evaluation and Management of Galactorrhea.’ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962879/
- 3. Galactorrhea By John D. Carmichael, et al. ‘Galactorrhea - Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders.’ Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/galactorrhea
- 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/
- 6. 'Galactorrhea in Teens: Care Instructions.’ MyHealth.Alberta.ca Government of Alberta Personal Health Portal, myhealth.alberta.ca/health/AfterCareInformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=av2818
- 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
Causes
There are several possible causes of galactorrhea. Some people may have idiopathic galactorrhea, which means it has no clear cause identified.2‘Evaluation and Management of Galactorrhea.’ pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22962879/ In this case, the breast tissue may have a higher-than-usual sensitivity to certain hormones.
Prolactinoma and other pituitary gland tumors are common causes of galactorrhea.3Galactorrhea By John D. Carmichael, et al. ‘Galactorrhea - Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders.’ Merck Manuals Consumer Version, Merck Manuals, merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/pituitary-gland-disorders/galactorrhea These tumors may press against the pituitary gland, causing it to produce more prolactin, a hormone responsible for lactation. Other possible causes of galactorrhea include hypothyroidism, certain medications, long-term kidney conditions and liver disorders.
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