Diagnosis

The diagnosis of galactorrhea can best be made by a gynecologist. The gynecologist will first take a medical history to find out the exact symptoms and ask about other symptoms. Also important are medications taken, previous illnesses and other factors that can influence the milk production of the female breast.

This is followed by an examination of the breast, during which the doctor will look at the breast, palpate for changes and possibly also carry out an ultrasound examination of the breast tissue. Also of interest are various hormone levels in the blood that are important for milk production, for example prolactin and other female sex hormones. The thyroid gland values can also be of importance.

In order to examine the breast even further, a mammography, i.e. an X-ray of the breast, can also be performed. If it is suspected that galactorrhea could be caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland, a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is performed. These different methods usually provide sufficient clarification of galactorrhea.

Therapy

Galactorrhea is treated according to the underlying disease. If the cause lies in a tumor of the pituitary gland, a so-called dopamine agonist is usually used. This is a drug that inhibits the production of the hormone prolactin.

In most cases, it is not necessary to remove the usually benign tumor. If the cause lies in taking certain drugs, these should be discontinued. The galactorrhea will then persist on its own.

In the case of underlying breast inflammation, antibiotics are often prescribed; breast cancer must be treated by surgery and/or chemotherapy and/or radiation. Galactorrhea occurring in infants after birth does not require treatment, as it disappears by itself after a few weeks. The most common drugs are dopamine agonists such as bromocriptine or lisuride.

Their effect lowers the level of the hormone prolactin. The hoped-for effect of the lowered hormone level is the suspension of galactorrhea. Side effects of these drugs are typically nausea and vomiting, and low blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness. Furthermore, the drugs can have damaging consequences for the heart valves.