Symptom 8. Galactorrhea: The Miraculous Production of Breast Milk
It might sound improbable, but some women experiencing pseudocyesis report lactation or the production of breast milk despite not being pregnant. This phenomenon, termed galactorrhea, can be baffling, especially when paired with the emotional upheaval of believing in a non-existent pregnancy.
Galactorrhea in false pregnancy isn’t about the full-fledged production of breast milk. Instead, it might manifest as a clear or milky discharge from the nipples. While lactation is typically triggered by the hormone prolactin following childbirth, in pseudocyesis, the mind’s conviction can sometimes cause a mild elevation in prolactin levels.
This condition underscores the intricate relationship between the mind and hormonal balance. In pseudocyesis, the body is genuinely trying to mimic the physiological states it believes it should be in. So, when the mind is sure of a pregnancy, the body sometimes follows suit, leading to such bewildering symptoms. (8)
