The secretion of breast milk in men or in women who are not breast-feeding an infant. Patients with galactorrhea have a high level of prolactin in the blood, which can be caused by a tumor in the pituitary gland or from taking certain medications, such as conventional antipsychotics.
A continued discharge of milk from the breasts in the intervals between nursing or after the child has been weaned.
Excessive flow of milk.
Excessive discharge of milk from the breast.
Breast milk production at any time other than just before and after childbirth. The milk is usually whitish or gray-green and leaks out of both breasts. Galactorrhea, which can occur in men, though rarely, may be caused by excessive amounts of estrogen, a pituitary tumor called a prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, or as a side effect of medication, including oral contraceptives. It is sometimes associated with absence of menstrual periods.
The continuation of milk secretion at intervals after nursing has ceased.