ok my question may seem a bit weird but here goes, is it possible to produce breast milk without ever being pregnant???and if so how does it work???
thanks
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Dear anonymus ;
Not weird at all. The condition is called galctorrhea and is most commonly caused by hyperprolactinemia ( or as tracy said , hi prolactin levels ).
Many women who have been pregnant may have small breast secretions without any clinical significance . Spontaneious leakage is usually more important than just expressing the milk from the breasts.
If galactorrhea was significant , the physician would be looking at a good history and physical including what drugs the person is taking ( some medications can induce galactorrhea ) , any signs of central nervous sytem disease , any signs of low thyroid gland function , causes of enhanced prolactin hormone release as in reflex sucking or breast trauma . If these were negative and the condition continued or got worse , a thorough investigation to rule out ectopic or unusual areas for secreting the hormones HPL and prolactin maybe done.
In general , if you know someone who has galactorrhea , advise her to talk to her doctor , it needs to be investigated.
Thank you for your question
Disclaimer : this information is for educational purposes only . Your physician is ultimately responsible for your health care , diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords : galactorrhea* ( endocrinology )