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What is galactorrhea?

Galactorrhea literally means "flow of milk." It refers to a milky discharge from the nipple of the breast in someone who is not nursing a baby.

  • Galactorrhea may occur in men and women.
  • Galactorrhea usually occurs from both breasts.
  • It is not a disease, but rather a symptom that can have several causes.

Here at Boston Children’s Hospital, the Reproductive Endocrinology and PCOS Program evaluates and treats male and female patients with a wide range of adolescent reproductive and endocrine disorders that affect reproductive function.

Symptoms & Causes

What causes galactorrhea?

Many different things may cause galactorrhea, including:

  • Pregnancy (that may have gone unrecognized)
  • Trauma
  • Surgery

Certain drugs can cause galactorrhea, including:

More serious causes of galactorrhea include:

  • The presence of a small tumor in the pituitary gland (at the base of the brain)
  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid function)
  • Liver, kidney, or spinal cord problems

Programs & Services

Programs

Reproductive Endocrinology and PCOS Program

Program

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Program provides care to adolescents and young adults with disorders of puberty, abnormal menstrual periods, PCOS, ovarian insufficiency, breast disorders, hormonal acne and hair growth, and bone health concerns.

Departments

Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine

Department

The Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine provides medical, gynecological, nutritional, and psychological care and counseling.

Endocrinology

Department

The Division of Endocrinology treats children with thyroid disease, Addison's disease, diabetes, and other endocrine disorders.

Plastic and Oral Surgery

Department

The Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery is one of the largest and most experienced pediatric plastic and oral surgery centers in the world, with 10 dedicated subspecialty programs.
U.S.News & World Report Honor Roll 2024-2025
World's Best Specialized Hospital in Pediatrics by Newsweek

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