What is the medical term for breast milk discharge?

Understanding Galactorrhea: The Medical Term for Breast Milk Discharge
In the realm of medical terminology, the condition characterized by the spontaneous discharge of milk or a milk-like substance from the breast, unrelated to childbirth or breastfeeding, is known as galactorrhea. This term, derived from the Greek words “galacto-” meaning milk and “-rrhea” meaning flow, encapsulates a phenomenon that can occur in both women and men, although it is more commonly reported in females.
Prevalence and Causes
Galactorrhea is not an uncommon condition; studies suggest that it can affect between 5% to 32% of females at some point in their lives. The causes of galactorrhea are varied and can include hormonal imbalances, particularly involving prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production. Other contributing factors may include the influence of estrogens, certain medications, and even stress. Importantly, galactorrhea can manifest in individuals who are not pregnant or nursing, making it a significant medical concern that warrants further investigation.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Individuals experiencing galactorrhea may notice a milky discharge from one or both breasts, which can occur spontaneously or upon manipulation of the breast tissue. While the presence of this discharge can be alarming, it is essential to understand that galactorrhea is often viewed not as a disease in itself but as a symptom of an underlying condition. Therefore, a thorough medical evaluation is crucial to determine the root cause, which may involve blood tests to check hormone levels, imaging studies, or other diagnostic procedures.
Conclusion
In summary, galactorrhea is the medical term for breast milk discharge that occurs outside the context of breastfeeding or childbirth. Its implications can range from benign to indicative of more serious health issues, highlighting the importance of medical assessment for anyone experiencing this condition. Understanding galactorrhea not only demystifies the phenomenon but also encourages individuals to seek appropriate care when faced with unexpected breast discharge.

What is breast discharge called?

What is nipple discharge? Nipple discharge is when fluid leaks from your nipple in one or both breasts. It’s most common in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) in late pregnancy and immediately after childbirth. Nipple discharge happens for many reasons.

What is the medical term for abnormal discharge of milk from the breast?

This is called idiopathic galactorrhea. It may mean that your breast tissue is particularly sensitive to the milk-producing hormone prolactin in your blood. If you have increased sensitivity to prolactin, even normal prolactin levels can lead to galactorrhea.

What is a persistent discharge of milk from the breast?

This nipple discharge may leak from your breast on its own or when touched. It’s not related to milk production in breastfeeding (chestfeeding) or pregnancy. Galactorrhea sometimes indicates an underlying health condition, but is most often caused by too much prolactin.

What is milk discharge from breast without pregnancy?

Galactorrhea (guh-lack-toe-REE-uh) is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the usual milk production of breastfeeding. Galactorrhea itself isn’t a disease, but it could be a sign of another medical condition. It usually happens in women, even those who have never had children or who have gone through menopause.

What is the medical term for produce or secrete milk?

Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her young. The process naturally occurs with all sexually mature female mammals, although it may predate mammals.

What is the medical term for leaking breast milk?

Overview. Galactorrhea (guh-lack-toe-REE-uh) is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the usual milk production of breastfeeding.

What is the medical term for weeping white fluid from nipples?

Galactorrhoea is milky nipple discharge not related to pregnancy or breast feeding. It is caused by the abnormal production of a hormone called prolactin. This can be caused by diseases of glands elsewhere in the body which control hormone secretion, such as the pituitary and thyroid glands.

What is the medical term for secretion of breast milk?

Lactation. Lactation is the process of making human milk. Human milk is secreted through your mammary glands, which are located in your breasts. Lactation is hormonally driven and occurs naturally in people who are pregnant.

When I squeeze my nipples, liquid comes out.?

Liquid may leak from your nipples on its own or when they’re squeezed. It can be lots of different colours, including clear, white, yellow, green or bloody. Nipple discharge may be nothing serious, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying condition, including a breast cyst or breast cancer.

What is the medical term for breast drainage?

Galactorrhea is a milky discharge from both nipples, when a person is not breastfeeding. This is often due to an increase in the hormone prolactin, which makes milk.