Key points for diagnosis of lactational amenorrhea syndrome

Lactational amenorrhea syndrome is generally divided into three types: Chiari-Frommel syndrome, Argonz-delCastillo syndrome, and Forbes-Albright syndrome. The diagnostic points are as follows:

1. Chiari-Frommel syndrome: occurs after childbirth, mostly due to unreasonable breastfeeding or long-term sucking stimulating the nipple, causing hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian system dysfunction. There is no pituitary tumor. The level of prolactin in the blood is increased, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are decreased. It is mostly transient and can last for several years. After being cured, it can often recur in the next pregnancy.

2. Argonz-delCastillo syndrome (idiopathic galactorrhea syndrome): It occurs during the non-pregnancy and lactation period, mostly due to hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, which can be caused by surgery, trauma, anesthesia, mental stimulation and other factors. The stimulation or inhibition test of hypothalamic-pituitary function is positive in the absence of pituitary tumors. Some patients can recover on their own after the pathogenic factors are removed; but there are also many patients who can persist for a considerable period of time and cannot be cured without drug treatment.

3. Forbes-Albright syndrome: It occurs during the non-pregnancy and lactation period, and is mostly caused by pituitary tumors. Due to the compression of the tumor, fundus changes or narrowing of the visual field may occur. Examination of the sella turcica of the pituitary gland can reveal the tumor. Symptoms will not be relieved before the pituitary tumor is removed.

Tips: Lactation refers to the secretion of milk in non-puerperal women. Lactational amenorrhea syndrome may occur in women who have been pregnant, or in women who have never been pregnant or have pituitary tumors.