Galactorrhea

JOURNAL TITLE: MGM Journal of Medical Sciences

Author
1. Alaka Deshpande
ISSN
2347-7946
DOI
10.5005/jp-journals-10036-1236
Volume
6
Issue
2
Publishing Year
2019
Pages
3
Author Affiliations
    1. Department of Medicine, Grant Medical College & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Article keywords
    Bromocriptine, Cabergoline, Dopamine agonists, Galactorrhea, Prolactin, Prolactinoma

    Abstract

    An inappropriate secretion of a milk-like substance from breasts is called galactorrhea. The commonest cause is over-secretion of the hormone Prolactin. Causes and management of prolactinemia are discussed in this paper. A protocol to investigate these cases has been given. The advent of dopamine agonists, which inhibit secretion of prolactin, has made the management of these cases simple and safe. All patients of hyperprolactinemia may have associated tumors in the pituitary (prolactinomas). If these are less than 3 cm in size, as seen on neuroimaging, medical management may be enough. Tumors exceeding 3 cm in size may need a surgical resection because they may produce compressive effects. Hypothyroidism must be excluded and, if present, treated appropriately.

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