Diseases and Conditions
Galactorrhea
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Preparing for an appointment
Treatment
When needed, galactorrhea treatment focuses on resolving the underlying cause.
Sometimes doctors can't determine an exact cause of galactorrhea. Your doctor might recommend treatment anyway if you have bothersome or persistent nipple discharge. A medication that blocks the effects of prolactin or lowers your body's prolactin level could help eliminate galactorrhea.
| Underlying cause | Possible treatment |
|---|---|
| Medication use | Stop taking medication, change dose or switch to another medication. Make medication changes only if your doctor says it's OK to do so. |
| Underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) | Take a medication, such as levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, others), to counter insufficient hormone production by your thyroid gland (thyroid replacement therapy). |
| Pituitary tumor (prolactinoma) | Use a medication to shrink the tumor or have surgery to remove it. |
| Unknown cause | Try a medication, such as bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel) or cabergoline, to lower your prolactin level and minimize or stop milky nipple discharge. Side effects of these medications commonly include nausea, dizziness and headaches. |
