Domperidone/Motilium: A Commentary

Myth:

Domperidone can induce male lactation.

Fact:

In a strict technical sense, any fluid discharged from the male nipple could be defined as male lactation; however, normal male mammary glands can not produce true breast milk.

During puberty, high levels of estrogen, (and other predominantly female hormones), cause female mammary glands to develop into mature, milk producing Exocrine glands. However, high levels of Testosterone prevent male mammary glands from developing into milk producing Exocrine glands. Male mammary glands normally remain dormant for life.

Before a man can produce true breast milk, his mammary glands must be fully developed/matured in the same way female mammary glands develop/mature during puberty. This procedure requires a man undergo what might be termed a chemically induced female puberty, by emulating female body chemistry with supplemental hormones and drugs.

Myth:

Other than occasional headaches at high doses, Domperidone has no serious side effects.

Fact:

Domperidone has been on the world market since 1978, and has proven a comparatively safe drug; however, any drug, (including Domperidone/Motilium), can have unseen, adverse side effects from long term use.

It has to be taken into consideration, Domperidone was created to treat Dyspeptic Symptom Complex, (Acid Reflux Disease), and even when used as a galactagogue, it still may affect digestion and metabolism.

Also after years of presumed safe use, concerns about how Domperidone may be artificially regulating hormone secretion, are just now emerging. Recently, there have been concerns about aggravated health risks from hormonal imbalances, which may have resulted from chronic use of Domperidone.

Before taking Domperidone, (or any medication which may artificially alter body chemistry), one should know family health history, and consider what long term effects the medication may have on preexisting health risks.

Domperidone As A Galactagogue:
Domperidone is an effective aid for inducing lactation; however, it should not be used arbitrarily as a first approach. Successfully inducing lactation requires more than just elevated hormone levels.

Even when essential milk producing hormones are elevated in the bloodstream, the brain, (via the nervous system), still must stimulate the breasts to letdown and synthesize milk from body fluids. To successfully induce lactation and produce enough milk to adequately breast feed, a woman must prepare herself both physically and mentally.

Before the Letdown Reflex can occur, the brain must be stimulated both visually and subconsciously. While the sight of an infant suckling may provide the perfect subconscious stimulation for a new mother, the brain may not recognize an adult partner suckling as a need for milk. As wonderful as it may feel, some women are subconsciously unable to letdown for an adult nursing partner.

The first step when inducing lactation is preparing one's self mentally!

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