The discharge from the nipples and ducts of the mammary glands of fluids that are similar in consistency to milk or colostrum is called galactorrhea. This phenomenon is only a symptom characteristic of certain pathological processes in the human body and is not an independent disease. Most often, galactorrhea occurs in women, but men and even children of any gender and age can face such a problem. Although galactorrhea does not cause discomfort in most cases, if this symptom occurs, you should undergo an examination to help determine the cause of the discharge from the nipples, as it can be a serious health hazard.
The main symptom of galactorrhea is milky discharge from the nipples, which can be detected both independently and by pressing on the nipples. Also, the color of the discharge may be greenish or yellowish.
In addition, there are additional symptoms of galactorrhea, which are not mandatory for everyone, among them the occurrence of headaches, the appearance of acne, problems in intimate life.
The following forms of galactorrhea are distinguished:
- one-sided;
- two-sided.
There are three degrees of galactorrhea in total
1 degree. Discharge from the nipples from the nipples in the form of drops when pressing on the peripapillary region
2nd degree. When pressed, discharge from the nipples appears in the form of a jet.
3rd degree. The secret is released spontaneously.
Causes of nipple discharge
The main condition that determines the development of the disease is an increase in the content of the hormone prolactin in the blood serum. The following factors influence the formation of prolactin in the body:
- taking certain medications: tricyclic antidepressants, Melidof, phenothiazines, reserpine, butyrophenones, opiates;
- bronchogenic cancer;
- hypothyroidism;
- pathology of the pituitary gland;
- consumption of large quantities of herbs (nettle, anise, fenugreek, thistle, fennel);
- excessive stimulation of the nipples during sexual intercourse, frequent palpation, allergic diseases that are accompanied by skin itching.
You can get rid of discharge from the nipples with the help of treatment
The main goal of treating galactorrhea is to neutralize the cause of elevated prolactin levels in the blood. To do this, use:
- drugs that inhibit the production of prolactin in the pituitary gland;
- treatment of endocrine disease;
- treatment of tumors.
If left untreated, the following complications are more likely to develop:
- loss of vision, cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction with pituitary tumors;
- hypothyroid coma (confusion and loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, swelling of vital organs) with hypothyroidism.
In bronchogenic cancer - the spread of cancer cells to other organs with the formation of secondary tumors and death.
Despite the fact that often galactorrhea does not pose a threat to life, there is a need for timely examination, this will help to detect the presence of a number of diseases and eradicate the problem thanks to the right treatment.
Add a comment