Galattorrea - Causes and Symptoms

Definition

Galactorrhea consists of an abnormal secretion of lactescent material from the nipple, in women outside the period of breastfeeding or in male individuals. The release of milk is considered physiological during pregnancy, up to 6 months after delivery or in the days following the interruption of breastfeeding. Even prolonged and intense stimulation of the nipples can induce galactorrhea (for example, during sexual activity). However, when this phenomenon is inappropriate and persistent it can recognize various pathological causes. More frequently, galactorrhea is due to a prolactin-secreting pituitary adenoma (prolactinoma). In addition to pituitary tumors, possible causes of hyperprolactinemia-galactorrhea include hypothalamic tumors, hypothalamic-pituitary lesions and other endocrinopathies, such as acromegaly, thyrotoxicosis, primary hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease. Galactorrhea can also derive from traumas, neoplasms and disorders affecting other systems (eg chest wall lesions, chronic renal failure and some liver diseases). In some cases, it is a consequence of taking certain drugs (including antipsychotics, antihypertensives, opioids, oral contraceptives and estrogens).