Galactorrhea

OVERVIEW

Galactorrhea refers to lactation in men or non-breastfeeding women. It might be the sing of a potentially significant disorder.

WHAT CAUSES IT?

There are a number of different possible causes of galactorrhea, that involve some underlying cause of hyperprolacinemia:

  • Pituitary prolactinoma
  • Medication suage
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Chest wall/nipple stimulation
CLINICAL WORKUP

Serum studies looking at values of 

  • Prolactin
  • TSH
  • Beta-hCG (to evaluate for pregnancy.

MRI imaging of pituitary may be needed in patients with sigs of a pituitary mass.

 

Page Updated: 10.15.2016