Milk leaking from your nipples when squeezed, outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding, is a condition called galactorrhea. This often happens because your body produces too much prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Even normal levels of prolactin can cause this in some individuals with increased sensitivity to the hormone.
Understanding Galactorrhea
Galactorrhea is characterized by spontaneous or manually induced milk leakage from the nipples in individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. It's a fairly common condition with various potential causes.
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Hormonal Imbalance: The most common cause is an elevated level of prolactin. This can be due to several factors, including:
- Medications: Some medications, such as antipsychotics and antidepressants, can increase prolactin levels.
- Pituitary Tumors: In rare cases, a tumor on the pituitary gland (a small gland at the base of the brain) can cause excessive prolactin production. This is known as a prolactinoma.
- Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid can also contribute to elevated prolactin.
- Idiopathic Galactorrhea: In some cases, the cause of galactorrhea remains unknown, despite thorough investigation; this is called idiopathic galactorrhea.
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Other Potential Causes: Although less frequent, other potential causes include:
- Breast stimulation: The simple act of stimulating the nipples, even unintentionally, can trigger milk production.
- Chest wall injury: Trauma to the chest area can sometimes result in milk leakage.
- Certain medical conditions: Rarely, conditions like kidney failure can contribute to galactorrhea.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While galactorrhea is often benign, it's crucial to consult a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent or excessive milk leakage: This could indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance or other medical condition.
- Milk leakage accompanied by other symptoms: such as headaches, vision changes, or menstrual irregularities (these might suggest a pituitary tumor).
- A lump or other changes in the breast: These warrant immediate medical attention as they could indicate a more serious issue.
Remember, this information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
