Galactorrhea may be clue to serious problems. Patients deserve a thorough workup

Postgrad Med. 2000 Jun;107(7):165-8, 171. doi: 10.3810/pgm.2000.06.1129.

Abstract

Three cases of nonphysiologic hyperprolactinemia associated with pituitary disease evidenced by galactorrhea are presented. Two patients had significant pituitary disease associated with low-level prolactin elevations. The third patient had only a history of infertility and expressible galactorrhea on examination. This patient was found to have high prolactin levels and a locally invasive pituitary tumor. Physicians need to be aware of the serious conditions associated with galactorrhea so that appropriate diagnostic studies can be done and treatment instituted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / blood
  • Adenoma / complications*
  • Adenoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenoma, Chromophobe / complications
  • Adenoma, Chromophobe / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Galactorrhea / blood
  • Galactorrhea / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperprolactinemia / etiology
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / blood
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / complications*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Prolactinoma / complications*
  • Prolactinoma / diagnosis