300 Longwood Avenue Boston, MA 02115 (617) 355-6000 My Child Has: Galactorrhea Programs that treat this condition Reproductive Endocrine Practice   Adolescent/Young Adult Medical Practice   Galactorrhea literally means "flow of milk." It refers to a milky discharge from the nipple of the breast in a girl who is not nursing. Galactorrhea may occur in men as well as women. Galactorrhea usually occurs from both breasts. It is not a specific disease, but rather a symptom that can have several causes. These include factors such as an unrecognized pregnancy, trauma, surgery, or certain drugs, including some tranquilizers, antidepressants, blood pressure medications and oral contraceptives. More serious causes of galactorrhea are the presence of a small tumor in the pituitary gland (at the base of the brain), low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), and liver, kidney, or spinal cord problems. The information on this website should not be taken as medical advice, which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional. Copyright © Children's Hospital Boston. All rights reserved.