Milk discharge from the breast without pregnancy or breastfeeding (Galactorrhea) is: (1)


  • A common condition that affects 1 in 4-5 women.
  • It can occur at any age, whether after menopause or even women who have never been pregnant.
  • It can also happen to men in some rare cases.


What are its causes? And how is it treated?


Reasons for Galactorrhea

The main cause for Galactorrhea, whether during or without pregnancy, is high prolactin; it is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, which stimulates the secretion of milk from the breast. (2)


There are several reasons for high prolactin in non-pregnant women, the most famous of which is the presence of... A benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the pituitary gland this tumor stimulates the gland to produce excess amounts of prolactin hormone, leading to Galactorrhea. (3)


In addition, there other reasons for high prolactin without pregnancy, including: (4)


  • Excessive stimulation of the nipple or breast (through sexual intercourse, friction with a bra, frequent breast examination, etc.).
  • Use of some medications, such as oral contraceptives, hormonal medications, antidepression medications, antihypertensive medications, etc.
  •  Use of some herbal supplements, such as fenugreek, fennel, anise, etc.
  • Suffering from some diseases, such as kidney or liver disease, or thyroid disease.
  • Injury to the breast or spinal cord.
  • Sometimes, there is no reason determined to Galactorrhea. (2)


Other symptoms

The color of the milk may be white as usual; yellow, or greenish, and the following symptoms may also appear: (2)


  • Headache.
  • Changes in vision.
  • Disturbances or cessation of the menstrual cycle.
  • Decreased sexual desire.


See your doctor

The flow of milk from the breast once or a few times and then disappearing on its own is not a cause for concern, but you should consult a doctor if: (5)


  • It went on for a long time.
  • It is accompanied by symptoms, such as headaches, vision changes, or menstrual disorders.
  • The milky discharge is yellow, clear, or bloody.





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Treatment of Galactorrhea

Treatment of Galactorrhea depends on the cause. In some cases, it disappears on its own without treatment.


Treatment options your doctor may recommend may include: (1)


  • Medications to lower prolactin such as cabergoline (Dostinex) or bromocriptine (Parlodel).
  • Avoid over-stimulating the nipples.
  • Wear loose clothing around the chest, and choose an appropriately sized bra.
  • Use breast pads to absorb secretions and protect the nipples.
  • Stop taking certain medications or nutritional supplements that the doctor finds cause the secretion of milk.
  • Medications to treat hypothyroidism, if this is the cause.



If a benign tumor found in the pituitary gland, the doctor may decide that treatment is not necessary if the tumor does not cause any other issues. However, if treatment needed, the doctor may prescribe medications or radiation therapy to reduce the size of the tumor, or, in some cases, perform surgical removal.


References