Galactorrhea

Introduction The galactorrhea is an abnormal phenomenon in which the emulsion is secreted during non-breastfeeding. It may be caused by some physiological diseases, or it may be caused by drugs or bad stimuli. Therefore, when this condition occurs, in addition to paying attention to breast health, it should also identify the cause and target treatment. She continued lactation during her non-partum lactation or after she stopped breastfeeding for one year, indicating that she developed galactorrhea. If lactation is accompanied by amenorrhea, it is called galactorrhea. In most patients, serum prolactin exceeds the normal high limit (1-25 mg/L) and is hyperprolactinemia.

Cause

Common causes of galactorrhea are hypothalamic and neurological diseases, pituitary tumors. Hypothyroidism, drug effects (contraceptives, reserpine, chlorpromazine, etc.), as well as breast area stimulation, these factors directly or indirectly cause hypothalamic prolactin release inhibitors or increased secretion of pituitary prolactin leading to lactation.

an examination

Related inspection

Breast examination breast ultrasound examination

Under normal circumstances, adolescent women with the growing maturity of the breast, the nipple can intermittently flow a small amount of liquid, which is the body to ensure the smoothness of the breast. Normal liquids should be white or colorless, and sometimes yellowish or pale green. However, if there is a large amount of liquid that is dark brown or has pus, it is likely that the breast is infected with bacteria.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

1, pituitary tumors: whether it is obvious pituitary tumors or pituitary microadenomas (tumor diameter <5mm), can cause galactorrhea due to the secretion of a large number of prolactin.

2. Hypothalamic lesions: Under normal circumstances, the secretion of prolactin is restricted by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus produces dopamine and another prolactin-releasing factor, the former inhibiting prolactin secretion and the latter stimulating prolactin secretion. Any abnormal cause of a decrease in dopamine or an increase in prolactin releasing factor may cause galactorrhea.

3, ovarian dysfunction: estrogen and progesterone can feedback inhibition of prolactin secretion. When the bilateral ovaries are removed for any reason, or because the bilateral ovarian function is low, it is not enough to cause feedback, and the secretion of prolactin is increased. This situation is like lactation after childbirth.

4, the impact of certain drugs: Rauvolfia drugs, such as reserpine. A sedative, such as chlorpromazine. Both oral contraceptives and levodopa can be inhibited by prolactin inhibitors, resulting in an abnormal increase in prolactin secretion.

5, thyroid dysfunction: such as hypothyroidism, pituitary thyrotropin secretion increased, can occur at the same time prolactin secretion increased, and amenorrhea.

6, other reasons: such as long-term sucking nipples, stimulate the sensory nerves in the nipple, reflex stimulation of hypothalamic prolactin-producing cells, induce pituitary secretion of prolactin. A rare form of bronchial lung cancer that produces an active substance similar in structure to prolactin, induces abnormal galactorrhea, and can also cause galactorrhea-menopausal syndrome.

Under normal circumstances, adolescent women with the growing maturity of the breast, the nipple can intermittently flow a small amount of liquid, which is the body to ensure the smoothness of the breast. Normal liquids should be white or colorless, and sometimes yellowish or pale green. However, if there is a large amount of liquid that is dark brown or has pus, it is likely that the breast is infected with bacteria.

The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments.