Lactation is normal in pregnant women. During pregnancy, hormonal changes trigger breasts to prepare for milk production, and by mid-pregnancy, colostrum, a thick, antibody-rich milk, begins to form. After birth, the placenta detaches, causing a surge in hormones that initiate milk production, which helps feed the baby.
But what if people start lactating without pregnancy? What does it mean?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, attributes it to a condition called galactorrhea.
Also Read: Breast Milk Production Can Be A Sign Of High Prolactin Level: Know What It Is
What Causes Galactorrhea?
“Galactorrhea is a condition characterised by the abnormal production and discharge of milk from the breast, unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding,” says Dr Lulla, adding that it affects around 20–25% of women and is not common in men and children, but it can occur.
According to StatPearls Publishing, galactorrhea can be caused by problems in the hypothalamus and pituitary glands or by other factors.
The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a tumour in the pituitary gland that produces prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Other pituitary tumours can also disrupt prolactin production but usually only cause mildly elevated prolactin levels.
Dr Lulla explains, "Prolactin, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates milk production after childbirth. In galactorrhea, prolactin levels are high due to various reasons, like pituitary tumours, hypothyroidism, or medications prescribed for certain conditions like nausea and depression. Antacids and anti-psychotic medications may also cause galactorrhea, whereas a diet rich in phytoplankton and oestrogens may also contribute to this condition."
Symptoms Of Galactorrhea
Common symptoms of galactorrhea include:
- Milky discharge
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Vision problems
Galactorrhea In Men
While galactorrhea mostly occurs in women, it can also be diagnosed in men.
According to the Mayo Clinic, in males, the condition can be associated with testosterone deficiency, also called male hypogonadism.
In addition to lactation, males who have this condition also experience breast enlargement and tenderness, also called gynecomastia.
Also Read: Men’s Health: Men With Low Testosterone At Greater Risk Of Heart Disease
Diagnosis And Treatment
Dr Lulla says, “One should consult a doctor, if milky discharge is observed. Galactorrhoea can be diagnosed by physical examination, a review of medical history, and blood tests to measure prolactin levels.”
She emphasises the role of early diagnosis in effective treatment.
Adding further, she says, “Treatment depends upon the underlying cause. If it's a tumour, it may involve medication to shrink the tumour or lower prolactin levels. For hypothyroidism, medication can be prescribed to regulate thyroid hormones to address the hormonal imbalance.”