Galactorrhea: What It Is, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do

When your breasts leak milk but you’re not pregnant or nursing, that’s galactorrhea, the abnormal production of breast milk outside of postpartum conditions. It’s not a disease itself—it’s a sign something else is off in your body. This can happen to women, men, and even babies. It’s more common than people think, and often it’s tied to something simple like a medication you’re taking or a hormone that’s out of balance.

Prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland that triggers milk production is usually the main player here. Too much prolactin? That’s often the root cause. But why would your body make too much? It could be a pill you’re on—antidepressants, antipsychotics, or even some blood pressure meds. Or it might be a tiny, harmless tumor on your pituitary gland called a prolactinoma. Sometimes, it’s just your thyroid acting up. Even tight clothing or frequent breast stimulation can trigger it in rare cases.

It’s not always scary, but it’s not something to ignore either. If you notice milky discharge from one or both breasts, especially if it’s happening with missed periods, headaches, or vision changes, you need to check in with your doctor. Blood tests for prolactin levels, thyroid function, and sometimes an MRI can help pinpoint the cause. Most cases are treatable—either by switching medications, balancing hormones, or managing the underlying condition.

You’ll find posts here that dig into how common drugs like antipsychotics and SSRIs can trigger this reaction, how to tell if it’s a side effect or something more serious, and what steps to take if your body starts producing milk for no clear reason. Whether you’re worried about a new symptom or trying to understand why your treatment isn’t working as expected, these articles give you real, practical info—not just medical jargon.