When do females lactate

In this article, learn about the possible causes of lactating without being pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as when to see a doctor. The hormone prolactin causes lactation during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. People who have galactorrhea may produce too much prolactin.

The pituitary gland, which is a small gland at the base of the brain, makes and regulates prolactin and several other hormones. Problems with the pituitary gland, such as a noncancerous tumor or another pituitary disorder, can sometimes cause people who are not pregnant to lactate.

In rare cases, people may lactate due to an emotional response to an unrelated baby. One study described a young woman with type 1 diabetes whose nipples produced milky discharge under gentle pressure when she was near an unrelated newborn. Her symptoms went away when she was no longer near the baby. Doctors ruled out all possible biological causes for lactation. In this case, researchers believe that her lactation was due to an emotional response to the baby. Sometimes, doctors cannot pinpoint the underlying cause of galactorrhea.

In these cases, the condition is called idiopathic galactorrhea. People with idiopathic galactorrhea might have breasts that are overly sensitive to prolactin, meaning that even normal levels of the hormone might trigger them to produce a milky discharge. The signs and symptoms of galactorrhea may vary depending on the underlying cause, but they typically include:. Many of the causes of galactorrhea, like hormonal imbalances, tumors, or other medical conditions, are beyond our control.

But there are a few things you can do at home to reduce your likelihood of lactating while not pregnant, including:.

The good news is that galactorrhea typically either goes away on its own or after medical treatment for its underlying cause. But if the discharge coming from your nipples is not milky and looks clear, bloody, or yellow, this is cause for concern. These may be signs of breast cancer. You should see your doctor right away. Lung cancer is a serious diagnosis but research is helping to find new treatments. Learn how lung cancer appears in X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies.

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ABM [Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine] Clinical Protocol 3: Hospital guidelines for the use of supplementary feedings in the healthy term breastfed neonate , revised Breastfeed Med.

Maternal perception of the onset of lactation is a valid, public health indicator of lactogenesis stage II. J Nutr. Hurst NM. Recognizing and treating delayed or failed lactogenesis II.

J Midwifery Womens Health. Share this content. Swelling of the breasts. Breast milk leakage, particularly overnight. What Else Should I Know? Or are you here for me? In love we grow. Tips for Beginning Breastfeeding to Start Strong.

Mastering the Breastfeeding Latch for Success.