Agalactia
Agalactia[edit | edit source]
Agalactia is a medical condition characterized by the absence of milk production in the mammary glands following childbirth. This condition can occur in humans as well as in other mammals. Agalactia is distinct from agalactorrhea, which refers to the absence of milk secretion despite the presence of milk production.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Agalactia can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Insufficient levels of prolactin, a hormone essential for milk production, can lead to agalactia. This may be due to pituitary gland dysfunction or other endocrine disorders.
- Physical Factors: Damage to the mammary glands or ducts, whether from surgery, injury, or congenital malformations, can prevent milk production.
- Psychological Factors: Stress and anxiety can inhibit the hormonal responses necessary for lactation.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Inadequate nutrition can impair the body's ability to produce milk.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of agalactia involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Healthcare providers may also conduct hormonal assays to evaluate levels of prolactin and other relevant hormones. Imaging studies, such as mammography or ultrasound, may be used to assess the structure of the mammary glands.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of agalactia depends on the underlying cause:
- Hormonal Therapy: Administration of medications to stimulate prolactin production may be effective in cases of hormonal imbalance.
- Counseling and Support: Addressing psychological factors through counseling or support groups can be beneficial.
- Nutritional Support: Ensuring adequate nutrition and hydration is crucial for lactation.
- Surgical Intervention: In cases where physical abnormalities are present, surgical correction may be necessary.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for agalactia varies depending on the cause and the effectiveness of treatment. In many cases, addressing the underlying issue can restore milk production. However, some cases may be resistant to treatment, requiring alternative feeding methods for the infant.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
