Has anyone else experienced unexplained lactation? I began spontaneously lactating in February and have been ever since. All the glands in my neck swelled up 3 days previous to the onset. My ND could not figure it out but I saw that it could be a symptom of lyme on the LDA website. I was bit by a tick last October 31, 2005 under my left armpit, but was not treated for lyme. Anyone else have this bizzare symptom?
Posted by cordor (Member # 9449) on :
yes, I have. It is true that it can be a symptom of Lyme, BUT....you need to have your pituitary gland checked also. Not to scare you, but unexplained lactation is a sign of a possible pituitary gland tumor (per my LLMD). So please get it checked out. My doc ordered an MRI of the pituitary gland and it was normal. Lacation eventually subsided, with no real explaination other than Lyme.
Posted by TickSick (Member # 1073) on :
I experienced this problem, briefly, during the first 1/2 year of my illness.
Posted by Marnie (Member # 773) on :
Common causes of galactorrhea run the gamut and include: � starting new medication � taking herbs, such as nettle, fennel, anise, etc. � drug use, especially marijuana and opiates � clothing that might irritate the breasts or nipples � stimulating the breast either by sexual activity or performing frequent breast self-exams
Galactorrhea itself is not dangerous, but can be a sign of other serious problems, such as a hormonal imbalance or a tumor of the pituitary gland (usually benign). You might consider seeing your primary care provider if you are concerned or if you are experiencing any of the following in conjunction with galactorrhea:
� irregular or absent menstrual periods � headaches or vision problems � increased hair growth � increased acne � hot flashes � vaginal dryness � lessened interest in sex
Normally lactation reduces estrogen and breastfeeding is associated with a decrease chance of cancer.
Looks to me like your body is finding ways to protect you from cancer. Vitamin D levels go up for the same reason (protect against cancer).
Estrogen comes FROM cholesterol.
Posted by gaiabirth (Member # 10194) on :
Thank you for your suggestions and info. I do not have insurance so I can't afford an MRI but I have discussed the possibility of a pituitary tumor with my ND but she doesn't think that is the cause. I was tested(negative)by an opthamoligist two years ago for a brain tumor b/c of vision problems.
Turns out I was living in a moldy house and the vision problems were due to neurotoxins in my body from the mold. There is a great website where you can take an online vision screen for the presence of neurotoxins from many things including mold and chronic lyme! It is www.chronicneurotoxins.com
Anyway thanks, its nice to know others have experienced this.
Posted by pattilynn (Member # 8065) on :
I've had this for over a year now. It started after I had spine surgery and all my neurologic symptoms came out. My prolactin levels are normal. I've had 2 MRI's of the brain in the past year. No pituitary tumor. Even my llmd was surprised by it. There is no explanation for it and it is not going away. I'm 43, never had children.