Have read a couple of responses to Linda's query about long-standing latent
galactorrhea.  Responses seem to assume this is within normal bounds of post-
lactation experience which may be so. What one reads in books is quite
different- pituitary/endocrine disorders.

Up to my ears in Vitex (chasteberry ) studies; recent research has indicated
this plant works in wide application to menstrual disorders due to it's
dopamine agonist action in the hypothalamus.  Additional non-prolactin
mediated activity directly involving gonadotrophin releasing hormone is also
hinted at but no studies published yet.  Seems that 60-70% of women with
menstrual difficulties are hyperprolactinemic primarily, with secondary corpus
luteum deficiencies, leading to low progesterone states or relatively high
estrogen/low progesterone ratios.  At least this is what German researchers
have been reporting in a number of large clinical studies published in
mainstream gynecological and phytotherapeutic journals (originally in German).

If true, then it would seem that an awful lot of women of child-bearing age,
that is the 30% or so that have menstrual difficulties, must be
hyperprolactinemic to some degree.  Would this be behind the fairly common
observations of latent galactorrhea in post-lactational women? ( e.g. My
sister fit this profile perfectly)

Linda, if the woman was suffering menstrual-related problems it would seem
appropriate to suggest having some carefully executed prolactin levels done.
Don't quite understand the focus on the breast at this point.

Sheila Humphrey BSc(Botany) RN IBCLC