How can I be producing breast milk all of a sudden?

Question

This is crazy! I am a 45-year-old, divorced mother of two, and have not had sex with a man in over six years. I had a partial hysterectomy last year, so I have no uterus, but still have my ovaries, and I have been considered perimenopausal by my doctor for a couple of years now. I breast fed my children as babies, and any woman who's done so knows that the sensation created by milk letting down is unmistakeable. Well, a week ago I began experiencing it out of the blue, but attributed it to my imagination since my last "baby" is now ten. But this morning I had the sensation again so strongly (and also discovered that I can make it come on by just thinking about it happening), and I was shocked when actual drops of milk began to leak from my breasts!!! It is not clear fluid; looks exactly like breast milk. Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?

Oh, dear. I'm glad I asked this question and took this symptom seriously. Thanks to the first responder who mentioned prolactin, I just did a little research and found that there are several possible causes, and that I really do need to get this check out ASAP! Hopefully, it is just a side effect of some psychotrophic medications I'm taking.

Answer 1

Someone asked a similar question at netdoctor.co.uk.:

Question:
My breasts are leaking milk but pregnancy test is negative Yesterday my breasts started to leak milk. I did a pregnancy test today that proved negative. My breasts are not sore or painful. I breastfed my daughter but stopped 18 months ago. It is definitely breast milk, without a bad smell or an odd colour. What is causing this?

Answer:
You were right to carry out a pregnancy test because this could cause some discharge as it is relatively soon after your last pregnancy. Also, the stimulation of the breast tissue which occurs in early pregnancy is quite capable of causing some leakage of milk. However, you are not pregnant so this is not responsible. It is worth mentioning that nipple stimulation, especially if prolonged during foreplay, can cause milky nipple discharge in some women, so bear this in mind as a possibility. Your breasts are not sore or painful so mastitis is very unlikely to be the problem. Oral contraception can cause some discharge. I see from your details that you stopped taking the Pill 10 days ago, so if that were the cause, the problem should be coming to an end now. One condition that can produce a milky or clear discharge is galactorrhoea, where an imbalance of hormones within the body can stimulate secretion. Certain medication may be to blame, particularly those used in treatments for some psychiatric problems, but thyroid disorders and very occasionally small benign brain tumours of the pituitary gland can lead to milk production. The discharge, you say, is definitely breast milk, which is reassuring because the investigation of any blood-stained discharge would be more urgent. My advice would be to see your doctor to undergo a breast examination and to start some simple tests to see which of the above possibilities could be responsible for your symptoms. On the face of it, it does not sound like anything to worry unduly about.
Yours sincerely
The Medical Team
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/womenshealth/205672.html

Answer 2

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Answer 3

You need to be checked for a tumor producing prolactin, the hormone that drives lactation. Many are benign, but need to be removed.

Answer 4

Yes, it happened to me also. I am 37, with two older children as well. I thought I was crazy, so if you do get a good answer, I'll be reading it too.

Answer 5

You should contact your OB-GYN immediately for an appointment. There are serious conditions that may cause this to be occurring. Call today.

Answer 6

With the help of continuous nursing and Healthy nursing tea!