Galactorrhea is the formation of breast milk in men, or women who are not in the breastfeeding period.
CAUSE
The cause is a prolactinoma (tumor that produces prolactin) in the pituitary gland. At the time of diagnosis of prolactinoma is usually small in size, but in men these tumors tend to enlarge.
Excessive prolactin formation and occurrence of galactorrhea can also be stimulated by drugs such as phenothiazines, certain drugs for high blood pressure (especially methyldopa) and narcotics. Other causes which may be hypothyroidism.
SYMPTOMS
In addition to galactorrhea, female patients also experience disruption of the menstrual cycle or the cycle stops. Female sufferers face often looks red and dry vagina, causing disruption in sexual intercourse.
Patients with men experience headaches or visual field loss the periphery. Approximately 2 / 3 patients with loss of sexual desire and men become impotent.
Diagnosis
CT scans and MRI may reveal a tumor. If the tumor is large, visual field examination.
Blood tests done to determine levels of hormones:
- Prolactin (high)
- FSH and LH (low)
- Testosterone (low).
TREATMENT
If prolactin levels are not too high and on a CT scan or MRI tumor looked small or no visible tumor at all, then given the drug bromocriptine. In women, the excess of bromocriptine is to raise levels of estrogen that protects women from osteoporosis. Bromocriptine also allows patients and pregnant women to help stop the flow of milk.
Estrogen or birth control pills that contain estrogen can be given to women with small prolactinomas. It is advisable to undergo a CT scan or MRI every year for at least 2 years to ensure that the tumor does not enlarge.
Usually for larger tumors given bromocriptine or surgery. If bromocriptine to lower prolactin levels is no need for surgery. If you need surgery, then bromocriptine can be given to help reduce tumor size before surgery.
Radiation therapy is only used if the symptoms worsened and despite growing tumor has been given bromocriptine.
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