Galactorrhea

Chapter 14 GALACTORRHEA



Theodore O’Connell


Galactorrhea is the inappropriate production of milk from the breast in the absence of pregnancy or beyond 6 to 12 months post partum in a nonbreastfeeding woman. The discharge of milk may be unilateral or bilateral, may be intermittent or persistent, and may vary in volume. Galactorrhea may also occur in boys and men and in infants and teenage girls.


Distinguishing galactorrhea from other forms of nipple discharge is usually straightforward. In galactorrhea, the discharge has the appearance of milk, occurs from multiple ducts in the nipple, most commonly occurs bilaterally, and is usually spontaneous.


When nipple discharge is consistent with galactorrhea, the medical history often reveals the cause. Important elements of the history and physical examination are outlined in the following sections.



Medications Linked to Galactorrhea




Amphetamines


Butyrophenones


Calcium channel blockers


Cimetidine


Codeine


Methyldopa


Metoclopramide


Morphine


Oral contraceptives


Phenothiazines


Prochlorperazine


Reserpine


Risperidone


Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors


Tricyclic antidepressants



Causes of Galactorrhea




Bronchogenic carcinoma


Chronic renal failure


Estrogen withdrawal


Heroin use


Hypothalamic lesions


• Craniopharyngioma

• Empty sella syndrome

• Pituitary stalk lesions

• Primary hypothalamic tumor

• Sarcoidosis

• Tuberculosis

Hypothyroidism


Idiopathic


Medications


Neonatal galactorrhea


Neurogenic causes


• Breast stimulation

• Burns

• Chest surgery

• Shingles

Related posts:

  1. Dysuria
  2. Hypertension during pregnancy
  3. Precocious puberty
  4. Vaccinations during pregnancy

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Jun 4, 2016 | Posted by in GYNECOLOGY | Comments Off on Galactorrhea

Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Get Clinical Tree app for offline access