FEMALE HORMONE SPECIALIST – DHA LAHORE
Specialist evaluation of unexpected breast discharge caused by elevated prolactin, in DHA Lahore.
گیلیکٹوریا یعنی بچہ جنے یا دودھ پلانے کے بغیر چھاتی سے دودھ آنا اکثر پرولیکٹن ہارمون کی زیادتی کی وجہ سے ہوتا ہے۔ ڈاکٹر رضوان نیازی خون کے ٹیسٹ اور ضرورت پر MRI سے تشخیص کرتے ہیں۔
Galactorrhea is the production of breast milk in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and in men. It is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of an underlying hormonal condition, most commonly elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinaemia).
Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production. When prolactin levels are elevated outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding, breast discharge can occur. The most common cause is a prolactinoma, a small benign tumour on the pituitary gland.
Other causes include medications, thyroid disorders, and other pituitary conditions. Accurate diagnosis requires a prolactin blood test and, where levels are significantly elevated, an MRI of the pituitary gland.
Galactorrhea is often accompanied by other symptoms that point to the underlying hormonal cause.
Elevated prolactin suppresses oestrogen, causing menstrual irregularity or amenorrhoea in most women with hyperprolactinaemia.
Low oestrogen and elevated prolactin together reduce sexual drive in both women and men with this condition.
Larger prolactinomas can press on the optic chiasm, causing headaches or peripheral visual field loss. These symptoms require urgent investigation.
Disrupted ovulation caused by elevated prolactin is a common cause of difficulty conceiving. Treating hyperprolactinaemia usually restores fertility.
Galactorrhea has several identifiable hormonal causes. Accurate diagnosis determines the appropriate treatment.
A small benign pituitary tumour that secretes excess prolactin is the most common cause of galactorrhea. It is highly treatable with medication in most cases.
Antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiemetics, and some blood pressure medications raise prolactin levels as a side effect, causing galactorrhea.
Hypothyroidism raises TRH levels, which in turn stimulates prolactin secretion. Treating the thyroid condition resolves the galactorrhea.
Conditions or medications affecting the hypothalamus can reduce dopamine, which normally suppresses prolactin, leading to elevated levels.
An endocrinologist identifies whether galactorrhea is caused by a prolactinoma, medication side effect, or thyroid disorder, and treats it appropriately without unnecessary surgery.
A fasting prolactin level is the first investigation. If significantly elevated, repeat testing and MRI pituitary imaging are arranged.
All current medications are reviewed for prolactin-raising effects. Changing or adjusting medication often resolves galactorrhea.
Prolactinomas are treated with dopamine agonist medication, which shrinks the tumour and normalises prolactin levels in the majority of patients.
Galactorrhea outside of pregnancy is a hormonal sign that warrants investigation. Most causes are treatable without surgery. Dr. Rizwan Niazi provides specialist endocrinology care in DHA Lahore, identifying the underlying cause and treating it appropriately without unnecessary surgery.
The most common cause is elevated prolactin, which stimulates milk production. This can be caused by a prolactinoma (pituitary tumour), medications, hypothyroidism, or hypothalamic conditions.
Galactorrhea itself is not dangerous, but it indicates an underlying hormonal condition that needs investigation. Prolactinomas are almost always benign and are highly treatable with medication.
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. Dopamine agonist medications reduce prolactin levels and shrink prolactinomas effectively. Surgery is reserved for rare cases where medication is not tolerated or the tumour is very large.
Yes. Elevated prolactin suppresses ovulation, making conception difficult. Treating hyperprolactinaemia with medication usually restores normal ovulation and fertility.
Yes. Elevated prolactin in men can cause breast discharge, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. The causes and treatments are similar to those in women.
A prolactin blood test is the first step. If elevated, thyroid function tests and an MRI of the pituitary gland are arranged. Medication review is part of every consultation.
DHA LAHORE
Book a consultation with Dr. Rizwan Niazi for accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.
Suit# 154 CCA, DD, near Nadra office, Phase 4 Sector DD, DHA Phase 4, Lahore · Mon–Sat, by appointment