Normoprolactinemic galactorrhea in a fertile woman with a copper intra-uterine device (copper IUD).
We report a case of galactorrhea in a normoprolactinemic fertile woman (30 years old) wearing a copper intra-uterine device (Gravigard). The Gravigard was first inserted in July 1977. In February 1979 our patient noted spontaneous galactorrhea, mainly on the left, but it was also present on the right, after breast pressure. X-ray film of the sella turcica, visual-field examination, thyroid function and basal prolactin levels were all within normal limits. In May 1979 the Gravigard was withdrawn and milk loss stopped finally in December 1979. In March 1980 the IUD was replaced; after only 3 days, mild spontaneous lactation again ensued, on the right side. The patient never took drugs which might have occasioned a prolactin rise. Possible explanations for this unusual phenomenon are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005687:Galactorrhea / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007775:Lactation Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood*; D011859:Radiography; D012658:Sella Turcica / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013960:Thyroid Function Tests
D011388:Prolactin