Galactorrhea is a milk-like discharge from one or both breasts. It is not from breastfeeding. The breast may leak fluid with or without being touched.

The Breast

Causes

Sometimes the cause is not known. Some causes are:

Pregnancy
Stimulation of the breast from things like breast exams and clothing that rubs against them
Certain medicines, such as antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, sedatives, and medicines that contain hormones
Certain herbs, such as nettle, fennel, blessed thistle, anise, and fenugreek seed
Drugs, such as marijuana and opioids
Some health problems, such as underactive or overactive thyroid, chronic kidney failure, tumors, or liver disease
Injury to the chest or spinal cord

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women. It can happen in men and infants, but it is not as common. Other things that may raise the risk are:

Prior pregnancy
Stress
Wearing clothing that irritates the nipple
Frequent breast self-exam or frequent breast stimulation

Symptoms

The main symptom is a milky discharge from 1 or both breasts that is not due to breastfeeding. Other problems may be:

Enlarged breasts
Abnormal or absent menstruation
Headaches
Vision problems
Loss of sex drive
An increase in hair growth on the chin or chest
Erectile problems in men

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.

Blood tests will be done to check hormone levels.

Images will be taken to look for signs of a tumor. This can be done with:

Treatment

Some people will not need treatment. The problem will go away in time. Others will be treated based on the cause. This may mean changing medicines or have surgery to remove a tumor.

Prevention

This problem may be prevented by avoiding:

Clothing that irritates the breasts
Stimulating the breasts and nipples
Conducting breast exams more than once a month

RESOURCES:

American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Galactorrhea. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated May 8, 2020. Accessed July 23, 2020.

Hyperprolactinemia. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/hyperprolactinemia. Updated November 8, 2017. Accessed July 23, 2020.

Vilar L, Fleseriu M, et al. Challenges and pitfalls in the diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2014 Feb;58(1):9-22.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Elliot M. Levine, MD, FACOG
Last Updated: 3/12/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.