The term nipple discharge describes fluid leaks from one or both nipples and can occur in both men and women. However, this condition is much more common in women and can be a worrying sign. The third most prevalent reason women consult their doctors for breast-related issues is experiencing odd nipple discharge. While it may be a sign of breast cancer, benign issues are the cause of the majority of these instances. It is always necessary to visit a doctor because making the distinction between benign and malignant discharge is essential to preventing incorrect treatment. 

There is little cause to worry if the discharge is clear, yellow, or white, comes from both breasts and only happens when your nipples are squeezed. However, if the discharge is bloody, emerges without touching or squeezing the nipple, and comes from a single breast, an immediate visit to the doctor is the best course of action. Sometimes, nipple discharge can be caused by Galactorrhea, and in those cases, specific Galactorrhea treatment is required. Keep reading to find out if your nipple discharge is a sign of Galactorrhea.  

What is Galactorrhea?

Galactorrhea is the term for the sudden production of milk or a milk-like nipple discharge. Your breast may naturally leak this nipple discharge, or it may leak when you touch your nipples, however, it has nothing to do with milk production during pregnancy or nursing. The common causes of Galactorrhea include an excess of prolactin, although it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical issue. 

Prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, causes milk production. 

Galactorrhea primarily affects women or those assigned female at birth (AFAB), although the condition can also develop in males or people assigned male at birth (AMAB), as well as in infants. Those who have been pregnant before and are of reproductive age are more likely to experience it.

The Symptoms of Galactorrhea 

The primary sign of Galactorrhea is milky nipple discharge that originates from one or both nipples, and the flow can be mild to heavy. It can seep out occasionally or nearly continuously. Other symptoms might also be present, but that depends on the underlying causes that create the condition.

Common Causes of Galactorrhea 

A number of factors can result in Galactorrhea in both sexes. Take a look at the most common causes of Galactorrhea. 

1. Prolactinoma 

The most common cause of Galactorrhea is benign (not malignant) tumors of the pituitary gland. Your pituitary gland produces excessive amounts of prolactin, a hormone that causes your body to produce milk after giving birth, due to the tumor (hyperprolactinemia). Your body is tricked by too much prolactin into believing that it should lactate, or produce milk, which is why your nipples leak milk. You can also get regular headaches or abnormalities in your eyesight if the tumor becomes large enough to push on the nerves in your brain that are close to your pituitary gland.

2. Other Tumors

Your pituitary gland may also be compressed by other tumors and this has the ability to halt dopamine synthesis. Dopamine controls your emotions and, when needed, lowers your prolactin levels to help you maintain a healthy balance of this hormone. Your pituitary gland may overproduce prolactin as a result of low dopamine levels, which can cause milky nipple discharge.

3. Use of Certain Prescription Drugs

Certain prescription drugs, such as antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), blood pressure medications, or birth control pills, can be the cause of this disease. Using herbal remedies, such as fennel seed or fenugreek, and opioids can also cause Galactorrhea. 

Other Causes of Galactorrhea

Excess prolactin can result from a variety of other illnesses, including Hypothyroidism, liver conditions, chronic renal disease, and certain forms of lung cancer. Using cocaine and marijuana can also be a cause of this condition. 

What are the Treatments of Galactorrhea? 

The cause of Galactorrhea determines the Galactorrhea treatment that will be effective for a patient. These are the common treatments of Galactorrhea:

1. Medications that Increase Dopamine Levels 

Taking medicine to reduce or cease prolactin production by raising dopamine levels is one of the possible therapies for Galactorrhea. Common medications for this treatment are cabergoline (Dostinex) and bromocriptine (Cycloset) as Prolactinomas and other tumors shrink in response to these drugs.  

2. Avoiding Medications that can Cause the Discharge 

If your medication is the cause of this condition, your doctor will prescribe another medication in place of the old one to treat Galactorrhea. Remember that you should never quit medication without your doctor’s permission, otherwise your health might suffer from unanticipated side effects.

3. Treatment of Hypothyroidism

If Hypothyroidism is the cause of your Galactorrhea, your doctor will give you medication, such as levothyroxine, to counteract your thyroid gland's inadequate synthesis of hormones. 

4. Surgery to Remove a Tumor 

When a pituitary tumor results in Galactorrhea, it is often benign, and in most cases, medication is used to reduce pituitary tumors. However, in rare instances, a pituitary tumor may need to be removed or reduced by radiation therapy or surgery to cure Galactorrhea.

Galactorrhea Diagnosis

Galactorrhea typically indicates the presence of an underlying medical condition, which is why visiting a doctor is necessary for the diagnosis of this condition. To arrive at the correct diagnosis, doctors usually combine certain examinations and tests.

• Physical check - Your doctor will check whether applying pressure to your nipple increases the amount of discharge and during this process, they could also look for any indications of malignancy in your breasts.
• Lab tests of the discharge - If you have previously given birth, your doctor could collect a sample of your nipple discharge to check for fat fragments.  
• Blood tests - Measuring your thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin levels might help your doctor rule out certain possible causes.
• Imaging tests - To check for prolactinomas or other tumors close to your pituitary gland, or to look for anything unusual in your breast tissue, an MRI or CT scan can be helpful. Any odd lumps in your breasts can also be found with the use of an ultrasound or mammography.

Final Remarks 

Even though Galactorrhea can be uncomfortable and worrying, you should know that it is a highly curable illness. If a pituitary gland tumor is the cause of your Galactorrhea, the tumor is usually benign and well-responding to therapy. Other causes too can be treated quickly with medication. For the most part, patients with Galactorrhea recover completely once the reason is identified and proper treatment begins.