|
Galactorrhea |
Details
|
Galactorrhea is a medical condition in which the breast milk production in males or females who aren’t breastfeeding, occurs. In women and men, a major cause of galactorrhea is a prolactinoma (prolactin-producing tumor) in the pituitary gland. The prolactinoma is usually very small when diagnosed earlier; but it may become larger in males than in females. The oversecretion of prolactin and progression of galactorrhea can also be resulted from such medications as Phenothiazine, Methyldopa, and narcotics, as well as from underactive thyroid glands and hypothyroidism. The symptoms of galactorrhea in women include: development of menstrual period disorders, or the end of menstruation. They also frequently develop vaginal dryness and hot flashes, which result in discomfort with sexual activities. Men with galactorrhea usually experience headaches or peripheral vision loss. About 2/3 of the males lose sex interest and are impotent. Diagnosis of galactorrhea consists of combination of blood tests and CT (computed tomography), as well as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. Estrogen deficiency is obvious by performing a physical exam. A physician measures the blood levels of prolastin, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones. CT or MRI scans may confirm small prolactinomas. If a tumor is large, the eye doctor checks the patient’s vision for possible effect on vision. A physician usually treats patients with galactorrhea and who have macroadenomas by prescribing bromocriptine or surgery after careful examination of the endo-system. In cases, where bromocriptine lowers the prolastin level and symptoms disappear, surgery is not needed. If surgery is required, bromocriptine can be used to help shrink the tumor. Before the surgery procedure, radiation treatment is needed only in cases where the symptoms are worse and the tumor is larger, despite cure treatment using bromocriptine.
|
| Category |
Disease Conditions > G
|
| Related Searches |
amenorrhea galactorrhea syndrome, galactorrhea hyperthyroid |
| Date Submitted |
23-Oct-2005
|
|
