What causes the development of galactorrhea?

Lactation is a physiological process laid down by nature. Unfortunately, more and more women are experiencing lactation problems such as galactorrhea, hypogalactia, agalactia and lactostasis. The secretion of milk from the mammary glands, not associated with pregnancy and childbirth, is called galactorrhea. This pathology requires careful diagnosis and treatment, as it indicates serious endocrinological disorders. Why does galactorrhea develop? What symptoms accompany the development of galactorrhea, read on estet-portal.com.

Basic physiological aspects of lactation. Galactorrhea

Lactation begins in the early postpartum period and is maintained through neuroendocrine regulation, which is carried out by the hormones oxytocin, lactogen and prolactin. The hormone lactogen is secreted by the placenta in late pregnancy, preparing the mammary glands for lactation. In the postpartum period, the hormones prolactin and oxytocin support lactation.

The process of removing milk from the ducts depends on the level of oxytocin that is produced when the baby suckles.

Normally, the daily amount of milk excreted is 1 liter, and the duration of lactation is up to 24 months. But factors such as milk stasis or neuroendocrine disorders can provoke lactation disorders - galactorrhea or hypogalactia.

What are the causes of galactorrhea?

In women, milk may be secreted from the mammary glands in the absence of pregnancy and childbirth. The amount of milk can range from a few drops to a copious amount. Galactorrhea can be unilateral or bilateral, occurring not only in women, but also in men. In most cases, galactorrhea is considered idiopathic when no cause can be identified. In some cases, the cause can still be identified.

Causes of galactorrhea:

• Non-pituitary and pituitary tumors that cause increased prolactin release. Such prolactin-secreting tumors include prolactinomas, somatotropinomas that secrete somatostatin and prolactin, and chromophobic adenomas. There may be tumors of non-pituitary localization that secrete prolactin - trophoblastic neoplasias (choriocarcinoma, hydatidiform mole), bronchogenic cancer.
• CNS diseases that prevent the entry of prolactin-inhibiting factors into the pituitary gland (craniopharyngioma, meningitis, hydrocephalus, encephalitis).
• Taking certain medications for a long time (oral contraceptives, methyldopa, morphine, chlorpromazine).
• Thyroid disorders can cause galactorrhea.
• Adrenal disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, kidney or liver failure.
• Frequent stimulation of the nipples, which provokes the development of reflex galactorrhea with an increase in prolactin in the blood, even in a small amount.

What signs and symptoms accompany galactorrhea?

In most cases, galactorrhea develops against the background of amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea, although it can develop during a normal menstrual cycle. Galactorrhea may be accompanied by engorgement and pain in the mammary glands, blurred vision, headaches, acne, hair growth on the chest or chin, and decreased sexual activity. Milky white discharge contains casein and lactose, which is a sign of true milk.

If the secretion from the nipple is greenish or brown in color, then the secret does not contain milk, which is a sign of endocrinopathy. The hemorrhagic nature of the discharge from the nipple indicates malignant neoplasms in the mammary gland.

In men, galactorrhea is rare. In cases of a slight increase in prolactin in the blood, a man develops galactorrhea and is accompanied by signs of feminization. Any discharge from the nipple should be a reason to see a doctor.

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