The most important cause of galactorrhoea (milk production not associated with pregnancy) is to exclude a problem with the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland produces a hormone called prolactin. A rise in prolactin levels usually occurs during pregnancy and leads to breast milk production. Galactorrhea can occur in women with a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland (prolactinoma) or other disorder of the pituitary gland. Treatment may involve medication or even surgery so it is best to see a gynaecologist if this happens.
Other causes include:
- stress,
- herbal supplements (fenugreek),
- oral contraceptives,
- medications (antidepressants, sedatives, high blood pressure drugs and opioid analgesia) and
- hypothyroidism.
