lactating without being pregnant

Lactating can happen without any previous pregnancy but would be unusual without nipple stimulation to activate the hormone that causes the milk let down response. I began lactating several years ago without pregnancy and I found that I had a prolactin secreting tumor. Almost 25% of the population is estimated to have a pituitary tumor and of those tumors, prolactin secreting tumors are the most common. It is not as common to have the tumor secrete prolactin to the level that would initiate lactation so if you are lactating without pregnancy it would be a good idea to have your pituitary / blood prolactin levels checked. The tumors are (generally) benign and can be easily treated with medication...(FYI the medicine is pretty great. Dostinex...nicknamed the "Sex Drug")

I found an interesting link that talks about breasts size and has a different take on lactating. Check it out.

Hi, I found a site with an interesting take on lactating and breast size. Check it out


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Can you explain what it is instead of linking to it? I usually don't like to go offsite. Can you tell me more about it? I would be interested to hear. Thanks!

Sometimes a combination of nipple stimulation and long term birth control medication can make this happen.

I discovered myself lactating a few years ago. I have never been pregnant and am not now. My GYN immediately suggested it could be a pituitary tumor. After blood tests it was found my Prolactin level was very high. So I had a brain MRI and it showed a shadow on my pituitary but not definitive tumor. Endocrinologist put my on Dostinex. Prolactin levels lowered. Another MRI in a year showed small ademoma on pituitary. Stayed on meds. Third MRI was negative. Went off meds and took blood tests six months later. Prolactin levels were normal. So doc said "see you in a year" Well, about two weeks later I noticed lactation again for the first time since I started taking meds now almost two years. So thinking tumor might be back or still there will repeat blood in 3 months time to check Prolactin.
Just another comment....Someone called Dostinex the "sex drug". Well I can see why. One of the symptoms of very high Prolactin is the inability or extreme difficulty in having an orgasm. High Prolactin suppresses Dopamine which is the hormone which produces that "high" during sex. I had before trouble having orgasm and while I was taking the Dostinex sex improved greatly. Now that I am lactating again I am assuming Prolactin is high again because I am having a real hard time orgasming again.
Also, if anyone knows what the natural or holistic thing to take for the pituitary adenoma is please let me know.

Everyone go to see your Doctor if this is happening to you.

To holistic nutritionist I am 26 and have had a tubal ligation 5 years ago and am not three days late on my period and am lactating. I have been under a lot of stress lately but no more than I am used to. My question to you is should I speak to my dr or is this nothing to worry about? Also for the past year my periods have been irregular.

I have had a complete hysterectomy and am still lactating, but that is because I have a microadenoma on my pituitary gland that is causing the problem. And anyone who has this problem should really get checked out!



Thanks,

Concerned Lactating Female

I was lactating when I was 18. MY prolactin level was not normal so the doctor did a MRI brain scan. And found that I have a pituitary adenoma

Dear all,
I post this not as medical advice but simply based on my own experience. In February 2008 I had to have emergency surgery to remove a pituitary gland tumor that was bleeding. I didn't even know I had a tumor. I did however, have lactation problems for about 1 1/2 prior to my surgery. NO doctor ever told me it could be problem or possible tumor - big miss which could have resulted in vision loss and/or death. My suggestion to you if you are lactating without good medical reason you need to have an endocronoligist run the right hormone tests. If the results come back as your prolactin levels being too high (which should only be if you are pregnant or breastfeeding) then you will most likely be referred to a nuerosurgeon for an MRI. I hope this helps.

A-

hi im a 19 year old female.ive been lacktating milk for 7 months now my breasts are sensitive and painfull at times they wont seem to stop growing.im not pregnant as ive had a constant period for three years with maybe a few days of only spotting.i get constant dizzyness but my iron levels are fine.Im healthy person with a healthy life style.i cant seem to find anything on the net with the same symptoms.i have been to specilists but my case always gets put in the to hard basket all my bloods and test come back normal.is there any profesional out there that has herd of these symptoms and knows how to stop them?

Question to you...I know you mention your breast and dizziness, but do you have other symptoms like abdomen or back pain as well...have you been checked for endometriosis?



I found this page by accident and I read some of the notes left. I am a 47 yr old lady, with 2 grown children that started lactating at the age of 17 (well before my first child was ever born) and has never stop...oh yes and did I fail to mention I had a emergency hysterectomy at the age of 25. About 7 years ago my GYN grew concern and assisted I take pills to try to stop my lactation...however, the pills cause the milk to form lumps in the milk-ducts which was more painful than the embarrassment of wet spots. Needless to say, we stop those pill and I am back to lactating again. I can honestly say my lactation has never bother me...well except when I come in contact with someone that has a newborn. You know how they will want you to either hold or touch their baby, well that is not a good thing for me. I normally can creative a way to decline without hurting their feelings because if they do not know my secret, then of course I am not going to tell them; nor do I feel it necessary to try to explain my why I now have dripping wet blouse. I do not know why - but babies are like my krytonite, they can definitely make me flow. 8)



~ May You Dwell Within Peace as Peace Will Remain Within You. ~

Really ironic how the holistic person says not to take advice from online sources and then gives some.. And talk to your MD or DO (for more a holistic approach) do not listen to anyone on the internet.

I am 16 and i'm a virgin but for some reason, I lactate...i think, i'm kinda scared, please help me!...is this a medical problem or am I just going crazy?

okay I have something to say as well... My aunt was mentrating and lactating just as I am...and she was told that she was not pregnant...She took pregnancy test after pregnancy test...just like me and eventually went to see a doctor...just like I did.. I asked him if he could get some blood samples or an ultrasound and he refused... I was treated like a psycotic patient and made fun of by the doctor. I came home with no answers, no concern, he didn't even stick around long enough to try and find out what was wrong... He didnt aske me any questions... I have not be turned on by sex or want sex in a couple weeks... I have a hard time believing that my bra is makin me lactate...lol... really...My bra is 2 sizes too small because I cant find anything big enough due to the fact that my breasts have swollen exponentially, and on top of that my breasts are sooo sore that I want to cry... I have been having stomach pains, and nausia...I dont uynderstand why I was treated so badly, 2 why no inquiries were made, and 3 no appointment were made. I believe that just because you went to some fancy ass nursing school it doesnt mean you can treat people like sh*t and mock them because of thier problems...by the way doctors dont know everything... How many times have there been law suits???
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