Galactorrhea happens when milk or a milk-like discharge leaks from your nipples. It?s different from regular milk secretion that happens during and after pregnancy. While it can affect all sexes, it tends to occur more often in women between the ages of 20 and 35.
While unexpectedly seeing what looks like milk coming out your nipples can be alarming, it?s often nothing to worry about. But in rare cases, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Galactorrhea (guh-lack-toe-REE-uh) is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding. Galactorrhea itself isn't a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. It usually occurs in women, even those who have never had children or after menopause. But galactorrhea can happen in men and even in infants.
Excessive breast stimulation, medication side effects or disorders of the pituitary gland all may contribute to galactorrhea. Often, galactorrhea results from increased levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production.
Galactorrhea is a condition where the breasts leak milk. This condition can happen not only to women, but also men and children. The main sign of galactorrhea is when it occurs without breastfeeding.
