Galactorrhoea is the production of milk by the breast and its secretion through the nipple unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding.
The main causes are related to hormonal alterations that affect milk production, such as prolactin, oestrogen and hormones that regulate the thyroid. These alterations can have multiple causes, the most frequent being: benign tumours in the prolactin-producing pituitary gland, thyroid alterations, and/or the use of drugs such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiemetics.
The main symptom is the secretion of milk through the nipple, either in one or both breasts, without other alterations or pain in the breast in women who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. It may be accompanied by alterations in the menstrual cycle.
Treatment may vary according to the intensity of the symptoms, ranging from clinical and analytical controls to medical treatment with cabergoline or bromocriptine.
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