Which laboratory tests are recommended for the evaluation of galactorrhea?

The appropriate laboratory tests for evaluating galactorrhea include assessing prolactin levels, along with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (B-HCG).

Prolactin is essential to measure because elevated prolactin levels are a common cause of galactorrhea, which can occur due to conditions such as prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, or various medications that increase prolactin production. A TSH test is also crucial as hypothyroidism can lead to increased prolactin levels and subsequently cause galactorrhea. Measuring B-HCG is important to rule out pregnancy, as galactorrhea can sometimes be a physiological response to elevated hormone levels during pregnancy.

This combination of tests helps to evaluate possible causes of galactorrhea thoroughly, making it a comprehensive approach to initial assessment in patients presenting with this condition.