Galactorrhoea

Spontaneous, persistent production of milk by a woman who is not pregnant or lactating (see lactation), or, very rarely, by a man. Lactation is initiated by a rise in the level of prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Galactorrhoea is caused by excessive secretion of prolactin due to a pituitary tumour or other endocrine disease, such as hypothyroidism. Some antipsychotic drugs may also cause excessive secretion. Treatment with bromocriptine suppresses prolactin production, but the underlying cause may also need treatment.