Translation guide
Galactorrhea is the medical term for milky nipple discharge unrelated to breastfeeding. In Japanese, the standard medical term is 乳汁漏出症, but in everyday conversation, people describe the symptom rather than using the technical word.
Referring to galactorrhea as a diagnosed medical condition, in a clinical or academic context.
Standard medical term for galactorrhea. Used by doctors and in medical documents.
乳汁漏出症の原因を調べる必要があります。
We need to investigate the cause of the galactorrhea.
An older or less common synonym for galactorrhea. Rarely used in modern clinical settings.
乳漏症は現在あまり使われない用語です。
Nyurōshō is a term that is not used much nowadays.
Describing the symptom of milky discharge from the nipple in a non-medical, conversational context.
Natural way to say 'milky discharge comes out of the nipple.' Used when talking about the symptom without medical jargon.
最近、乳首から乳汁が出ることがあって心配です。
Lately, I've had milky discharge from my nipple and I'm worried.
More casual and colloquial; uses 'oppai' (breast) and 'white liquid' instead of medical terms. Common in informal speech.
おっぱいから白い液体が出るんだけど、大丈夫かな。
I have white liquid coming out of my breast; I wonder if it's okay.
Literally 'breast milk comes out.' Can be used even when not breastfeeding, but may cause confusion if the listener assumes pregnancy or nursing. Use with context.
May imply lactation due to pregnancy or breastfeeding; clarify if not the case.
妊娠していないのに母乳が出るんです。
I'm not pregnant, but breast milk is coming out.
How to bring up the symptom of galactorrhea when visiting a doctor or clinic.
Polite and clear way to describe the symptom to a healthcare provider. 'のようなもの' softens the statement, meaning 'something like milk.'
先生、乳首から乳汁のようなものが出ます。
Doctor, I have something like milk coming out of my nipple.
More clinical phrasing meaning 'I have milk secretion.' Suitable for a medical history form or a formal consultation.
乳汁分泌があり、心配で受診しました。
I have milk secretion and came in because I was worried.
In everyday Japanese, people rarely use the technical term 乳汁漏出症. Instead, they describe the symptom directly, e.g., 乳首から白い液体が出る. When speaking to a doctor, you can use either the descriptive phrase or the medical term, but the descriptive phrase is perfectly acceptable and often clearer.
Directly translating 'galactorrhea' as ガラクトレア is not standard and will not be understood. Stick to the Japanese medical term or descriptive phrases.