Lactating

[wondering0329]

Does anyone have any information about the possibility of a menopausal woman lactating?  Is it possible to self induce?  How?

[cowgurl232526]

I am 24 years old and just had a total abdominal hysterectomy 8 weeks ago. I was in the kitchen tonight getting ready to put dinner in and felt something wet. When I looked down, there was a small wet spot on my shirt. Not to sound personal, but when I lifted up my shirt and pressed on my breasts, there was a little bit of celestrum coming out. Is that normal for menopause?

[lhowell]

Yes, it's possible to self-induce, though I've read most women who bring on lactation artificially cannot produce enough milk to feed an infant.  For starters, you could try taking Fenugreek daily (available OTC. Caution: you'll smell just like maple syrup) or you can buy a hospital grade breast pump and pump every few hours which will stimulate the breasts into producing milk.  I believe there are some hormones a doctor can Rx as well.

If I misunderstood your question and you're curious about lactating when you shouldn't be...sounds like hyperprolactemia which usually indicates a problem with the pituitary gland.  You should have it checked.

[peekawho]

Why do you want to know?  Not being nosy at all, but it makes a difference if you are purposefully trying to lactate, or if you have noticed spontaneous galactorrhea, and are worried about it.