8 Effective Homeopathic Medicines for Galactorrhea

Galactorrhea refers to flow of milky discharge from the nipples which is not related to normal milk secretion that appears with childbirth and breastfeeding. It is not a disease but can point towards some other health condition. Mostly it tends to occur in women between the ages group 20 to 35, but it can also appear in men, newborns and infants (babies less than 1 yr age) too. Homeopathic medicines for galactorrhea can help gradually reduce the milk flow in these cases.

Reasons 

Common causes of galactorrhea for both men and women include the following: 

Galactorrhea usually arises from excessive prolactin hormone. Prolactin is a milk hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Prolactin helps in regulating periods in non pregnant women; promoting breast growth during pregnancy and helps in lactation means production of milk for breast feeding. Excessive prolactin and galactorrhea  can occur from following reasons: 

Prolactinoma ( a benign means non – cancerous tumour that forms in the pituitary gland and leads to overproduction of the hormone prolactin.) 

In females the prolactinoma can cause galactorrhea in addition to other symptoms that includes irregular menstrual periods or absent periods; painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, low sex drive, fertility issues, acne (pimples), excessive hair growth on the face and body.

In males, this tumour can cause low libido (low sex drive), erection issues, enlargement of breast (gynaecomastia), low sperm count, decrease in facial and body hair and galactorrhea though it is rare. 

Headaches, visual disturbance and low bone density can occur in both males and females from prolactinoma.

Side effects of certain medicines can lead to galactorrhea. This some antidepressant (eg, paroxetine), antipsychotics like risperidone and high blood pressure medicine (eg methyl dopa); using opioid medicines (like fentanyl.)

Underactive Thyroid (hypothyroidism)

Use of herbal supplements like fenugreek, fennel seeds; 

Some medical conditions including chronic kidney disease; some types of lung cancer, liver disorder like cirrhosis

Stress

Chest wall injuries / surgeries.

In some cases no cause can be ruled out behind galactorrhea, such cases are referred to as idiopathic galactorrhea (it may be arising from increased sensitivity of  breast tissue  to prolactin hormone in the blood. In case the sensitivity is high galactorrhea can occur even when prolactin level in blood lies within normal range.)

In women

In women other than above causes taking birth control pills (oral contraceptive pills) can be another cause for galactorrhea. This can arise from imbalance of hormones caused by these birth control pills. It can also happen from excessive breast stimulation during sexual activity or from self examining of breast at very small intervals and nipple manipulation.

In men

In men, it can arise from low  testosterone apart from above reasons. It remains the common reason behind galactorrhea in males. This also results in breast enlargement in males (gynaecomastia). When this is the cause they may also experience erectile dysfunction and decrease sexual desire in them.

In newborns

Galactorrhea can occur in newborns too. This tends to happen from increased oestrogen levels in the mother that can enter the placenta and get into the baby’s blood before birth. It can also lead to enlarged breast in babies and also milky nipple discharge.

Signs and Symptoms 

The main sign of galactorrhea is a discharge of white  milky fluid from the nipple. It can be constant or appears at some intervals and can be slight or heavy flow. In some cases it tends to come out itself and in others on pressing the nipple. Either one or both the breasts can be affected in this. Other associated symptoms that can arise include irregular menstrual cycle, headaches or vision problems.

Homeopathic Medicines for Galactorrhea

Homeopathy offers very natural and effective treatment for cases of galactorrhea. These medicines bring excellent results in these cases by working towards regulating the hormonal levels in the body which is the main reason behind galactorrhea. They also help in treating any associated menstrual irregularities when present in any case. These medicines being of natural origin are very safe to use among females of all age groups. 

1. Pulsatilla – Top grade medicine for galactorrhea cases

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine prepared from plant Pulsatilla Nigricans commonly known as wind flower and pasque flower. This entire fresh plant when in flower is used to prepare homeopathic medicine. This plant belongs to family ranunculaceae. It is a top listed medicine for treating cases of galactorrhea. Its use is indicated when non pregnant females have milk in breast along with marked fullness of breast. The females needing it may also have menstrual irregularities along with this. The menses can occur too late or too early in them. The menstrual flow also varies from scanty to profuse. The menstrual blood can be thick, clotted or thin and can be black coloured. It is a top listed medicine to treat cases where milk like fluid starts to flow from the breasts of girls before puberty.

2. Asafoetida – For Galactorrhea with Congested Breast

This medicine is prepared from gum resin obtained by incision from the living root of Asafoetida plant. This plant belongs to the family umbelliferae. This is a very helpful medicine when there is milk secretion in a non pregnant woman. Along with this the breasts are congested and distended.

3. Merc Sol – For Milk Fluid Secretion during Menses

Merc Sol is a prominently indicated medicine for females who are full breast with milk during menses. They also have pain in the breast with this. Sometimes they have milk in the breast instead of menses. It is one of the leading medicines for galactorrhea in females during puberty. Apart from above it is also indicated for boys who complain of galactorrhea.

4. Cyclamen – When Milk Flow Occurs after Menses

Cyclamen is a natural medicine prepared from the root of plant Cyclamen Europaeum commonly known as sow – bread. This plant belongs to family primulaceae. The indicating feature to use it is milk in non pregnant females after menses. Along with this the breast is also swollen. In some cases the breast is painful, hard having a stitching sensation in it along with discharge of milky fluid. In some cases needing it menstrual irregularities may be present. This can be attended with headache, blindness or fiery spots before the eyes.

5. Borax – When Milk is Thick in Galactorrhea

It is the next well indicated medicine to treat cases of galactorrhea. Its use is suggested when the discharged milk is too thick. It is also very profuse. Females needing it may also have low sex drive. Apart from above infertility issues may also be present in females who require it.

6. Belladonna – For Heaviness and Hardness of Breast

Belladonna is a natural medicine prepared from a plant named Deadly Nightshade. This plant belongs to family solanaceae. It is also a beneficial medicine when the milk fills in the breasts of females who are not pregnant. The milk starts flowing out of the breast in copious amounts. Along with this, there is heaviness and hardness of breast. 

7. Lycopodium – Natural Medicine for Galactorrhea

This medicine is prepared from plant Lycopodium Clavatum commonly known as club moss. This plant belongs to family lycopodiaceae. It is another excellent medicine for cases of milk discharge from nipples in non lactating females. Additionally they may have tendency to have late periods. Another complaint that they may have is low libido ( decrease desire for sex). Lastly they can have dryness of vagina that lead to painful intercourse.

8. Phosphorus – For Amenorrhoea (absent periods)

The main indicating feature to use Phosphorus is absent periods with milk in breast of non pregnant women. Females who require it may also have tendency to late periods but with very copious flow. The menses may also last for long period of time in them.