What causes milk lactation when one is not pregnant?

Doctor's Answer

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.

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