Galactorrhea
Galactorrhea is a pathological condition expressed in the release of milk or colostrum from the nipple. At the same time, the release of these substances is not associated with the process of breastfeeding. The main reason for this condition is called an increased content of prolactin in the blood or an increase in the level of female sex hormones.
As a rule, it occurs in women. In fact, being an independent disease, it can also act as a symptom of some pathological processes. As a symptom, such a condition can be considered no earlier than six months after the end of breastfeeding. The condition does not cause much discomfort, but at the same time requires special attention to yourself. It is necessary to diagnose its cause, which may be particularly harmful to health.
Reasons
Practice has shown that in about 50% of cases of fixed galactorrhea, it is impossible to determine its cause. This form of this condition is not dangerous to the health of the patient (patient), but should be under medical supervision.
From the identified causes of galactorrhea , there are:
excessive nipple stimulation;
pituitary pathology;
bronchogenic cancer;
hypothyroidism;
excessive use of herbs such as thistle, anise, nettle, pozhitnik, fennel;
taking such pharmacological drugs as butyrophenones, opiates, antidepressants.
Types and forms
There are unilateral and bilateral forms of the disease. According to the degree of manifestation of symptoms , galactorrhea is divided into:
1 degree. When pressing on the periarticular area, milk is released drip.
2nd degree. It is characterized by a jet discharge of milk at the time of pressure.
3rd degree. It is characterized by spontaneous discharge of secretions from the nipple.
Symptoms
The main symptom is the release of milk from the nipple, which flows out on its own or after pressing on it. The separable may have a yellow or greenish color. The reddish color of such secretions should alert the patient and become a reason for immediate examination.
The following symptoms may also be added to this main symptom:
headaches;
gynecomastia;
visual impairment;
decreased libido and impaired erection;
problems with the skin (acne).
The listed symptoms may not appear.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of such a condition must necessarily take place with the collection and analysis of the anamnesis of life, disease and complaints. Visually assesses the degree of discharge, their color, as well as the presence of seals in the breast, its swelling, gynecomastia, obesity.
A study of the level of prolactin in the blood and the level of thyroid hormones is necessarily prescribed.
Additionally, CT and MRI may be prescribed, as well as X-ray diagnostics of the chest and brain, if there are suspicions of pituitary pathology and the oncological nature of this condition.
Consultation of an endocrinologist is required.
Treatment
The main thing in the treatment of such a condition will be the elimination of the cause that caused it. As a rule, it is only necessary to reduce the level of prolactin in the patient’s blood as the symptoms go away or significantly decrease. For this purpose, drugs that reduce the level of prolactin are prescribed.
In those cases, if galactorrhea is provoked by other causes, then prescribe:
Drugs for the treatment of tumors, if they have caused this condition.
Preparations for the correction of endocrine status.
Correction of the intake of pharmacological drugs. If they became the reason for the development of galactorrhea.
It is worth remembering that the therapy of this ailment should be carried out only by a specialist.
