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Galactorrhea

Kelley V. Lawrence, IBCLC, MD, Madeleine Cutrone, md and Angela Massoud Baker, DO Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTIONPEDIATRIC CONSIDERATIONS

  • Milky nipple discharge not associated with lactation, defined as >1 year after pregnancy or cessation of breastfeeding.

  • Does not include serous, purulent, o...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Usually bilateral milky nipple discharge; may be spontaneous or induced by stimulation. 
  • Determine possibility of pregnancy or recent discontinuation of lactation

  • Association with initi...

TREATMENT

  • Identify and treat the underlying cause.

  • Avoid excess nipple stimulation.

  • Discontinue causative medications, if possible.

  • If SSRI/SNRI is implicated, trial of mirtazapine instead.

  • Medications, ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Check prolactin levels every 6 weeks until normalize...

REFERENCES

1
Molitch  M. Diagnosis and treatment of pituitary adenomas: a review. JAMA.  2017;317(5):516–524. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
2
...

ADDITIONAL READING

DiVasta AD, Weldon CB, Labow BI. The breast: Examination and lesions. In: Emans SJ, Laufer MR, DiVasta AD (Eds). Emans, Laufer, Goldstein's Pediatric & Adolescent ...

SEE ALSO

Hyperprolactinemia 

CODES

ICD10

  • N64.3 Galactorrhea not associated with childbirth

  • N64.52 Nipple discharge

SNOMED

  • 78622004 Galactorrhea not associated with childbirth (disorder)

  • 54302000 Discharge from nipple (disorder)

  • 1981150...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Galactorrhea is a common disorder, affecting up to 50% of reproductive-age women.

  • Galactorrhea is defined as bilateral milk production, usually milky, but can be varied.

  • Common causes in...

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