Lactation is the process of producing breast milk. For ladies who are pregnant or recently conceived an offspring, lactation is normal. Because hormones signal the mammary organs in your body to start producing milk to feed the baby. But at the same time it’s possible for ladies who have never been pregnant. So, there are different causes of lactation. Most common symptom is one or both breasts producing excessive milk. But there are also the treatment and prevention of lactation. In short, lactation causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention are explained here.
Causes of lactation
Galactorrhea has a wide range of causes, and at times, the reason is difficult to pinpoint. Explanations behind lactating when not recently pregnant can run from hormone irregular to medication side effects to other health conditions. It can be caused by:
- Because of drug use
- Breast stimulation
- Medical conditions
- Medications medications that contain hormones
- Antipsychotics
- Blood pressure medicines
- Heartburn medications
- Antidepressants
- Birth control
- Certain painkillers
- Underlying medical issues
- Chronic stress
- High levels of estrogen (in newborns)
- Thyroid issues
- Any trauma or damage to breast tissue
- Kidney or liver disease
- Tumors or disease of the hypothalamus
- Overstimulation of the nipples
- Because of a tumor
Other concerning causes of nipple discharge include:
- Pituitary gland tumors
- A benign (noncancerous) breast growth
- A rare form of breast cancer called Paget’s disease of the nipple
Lactation symptoms
Galactorrhea’s most common indication is one or both breasts producing excessive milk. And the condition is most regular in ladies, but can also happen to men and infants. Further symptoms are given below:
- trouble with vision
- acne
- abnormal hair growth
- leaking from nipples that happens at random
- nausea
- enlargement of breast tissue
- headaches
- missed or irregular periods
- loss of or lowered sex drive
The good news is that galactorrhea typically either goes away on its own or after medical treatment for its underlying cause. But if the discharge coming from your nipples is not milky and looks clear, bloody, or yellow, this is cause for concern. Because these may be signs of breast cancer. You should see your doctor right away.
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Lactation diagnosis
Treatment for galactorrhea relies upon what’s causing it. So, your doctor will get some information about family history and after that may complete a couple of tests to determine the reason. Because the specialist will also complete a physical breast test. And they may attempt to express some of the discharge for examination in a lab. Other tests are as follows:
- pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy
- bloodwork to see hormone levels
- MRI to examine the brain for tumors or issues with the pituitary gland
- mammogram or ultrasound to check for changes in breast tissue
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Lactation treatment
When your primary care physician has confirmed a reason, they’ll suggest treatment. And a few things can be done on your own, such as avoiding tight dress and reducing the amount of nipple stimulation during sexual exercises. Stopping antipsychotic medications, cutting back on marijuana, cocaine, and limiting nipple stimulation are all ways to stop galactorrhea if these things are found to be the cause. But it can take a few months for milk production to stop, even after discontinuing medication. So, if the cause is a tumor or issues with the pituitary gland, it’s possible you may need surgery.
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Lactation prevention
Many of the causes of galactorrhea, like hormonal imbalances, tumors, or other medical conditions, are beyond our control. But there are a couple of things you can do at home to lessen your probability of lactating while not pregnant, including:
- practicing healthy ways to relieve stress
- avoiding stimulating breasts too often
- avoiding bras or clothing that irritate your nipples
Conclusion
The good news is that galactorrhea typically either goes away on its own or after medical treatment for its underlying cause. if you haven’t been pregnant or nursing in a six-month time frame and you’re lactating or seeing some other sort of release from one or both nipples, see your primary care physician. if something serious is causing the release, it’s ideal to begin treatment early. You should be careful in finding lactation causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
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