This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Aetiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The two principal causes are:

  • hyperprolactinaemia
  • mechanical stimulation of the breasts

The latter is due to neuroendocrine reflex secretion of prolactin and is the most likely explanation in a woman with a normal menstrual cycle who has recently finished breast feeding. The woman may check her breasts for milk out of curiosity. Alternatively, physical stimulation may occur during intercourse.

Less commonly, galactorrhoea may occur whilst taking antidepressants (especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), combined oral contraceptives, major tranquilisers and related preparations e.g. anti-emetics such as prochlorperazine, or methyldopa.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.