Galactorrhea

why do my breast smell like milk
why do my breast smell like milk

What is the most common cause of galactorrhea?

The most common cause of galactorrhea is a benign (not cancerous) tumor on your pituitary gland. The tumor causes your pituitary gland to make too much prolactin (hyperprolactinemia). Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production after you give birth. Excess prolactin tricks your body into thinking it should lactate (or make milk), which is why you leak milk from your nipples.

Other causes include:

  • Taking medications including birth control pills, blood pressure medicine or antidepressants.
  • Overstimulating your breasts (through sexual activity, clothing or frequent breast self-exams).
  • Thyroid disorders.
  • Chronic kidney disease.
  • Taking herbal supplements like fenugreek or fennel seed.
  • Using opioids.
  • Injury or trauma to your spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of galactorrhea?

The main symptom of galactorrhea is leaking a light white, milk-like discharge when you’re not breastfeeding or pregnant. It typically affects both breasts and may flow if you squeeze your nipple or leak on its own.

Other symptoms associated with galactorrhea may include:

  • Amenorrhea (infrequent or stopped menstrual periods).
  • Vaginal dryness.
  • Headache.
  • Reduced sex drive.
  • New hair growing on your chest or chin.
  • Acne.
  • Erectile dysfunction.

Is galactorrhea life threatening?

Not usually. Galactorrhea is a highly treatable condition. If your galactorrhea is caused by a tumor on your pituitary gland, it’s typically a noncancerous tumor that responds well to treatment.

Does galactorrhea cause weight gain?

Galactorrhea doesn’t cause weight gain. However, excess prolactin and thyroid disorders are both associated with weight gain. If you’re gaining weight and have galactorrhea, it may be due to increased prolactin and irregular thyroid function.

Is galactorrhea actually milk?

The milk that leaks from your breasts when you have galactorrhea is considered milk because it’s produced by the same hormone (prolactin) that makes breastmilk in people who’ve just given birth.

Can newborn babies get galactorrhea?

Yes, but this is rare. It’s caused by estrogen crossing into your baby’s blood while they’re in your uterus. It usually resolves on its own shortly after birth; but you should let your child’s pediatrician know.

Can men get galactorrhea?

Yes, men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB) can get galactorrhea. It’s sometimes seen in people with gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue) or low testosterone (hypogonadism).