Why would your breasts still be producing milk if baby is 11 weeks old and you are not breastfeeding?

If you are not breastfeeding and your breasts are still producing milk 11 weeks after your baby was born, it is called galactorrhea. This can be caused by several factors, including:

- Changes in hormone levels: Estrogen and progesterone are hormones involved in milk production. After giving birth, your levels of these hormones naturally decrease, which signals your body to stop producing milk. However, in some cases, these levels do not decrease as quickly as they should, which can lead to galactorrhea.

- Thyroid problems: The thyroid gland helps to regulate your body's metabolism. If your thyroid gland is underactive (hypothyroidism), it can cause galactorrhea. This is because hypothyroidism can lead to an increase in the levels of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production.

- Medications: Some medications can cause galactorrhea as a side effect. These medications include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and certain blood pressure medications.

- Pituitary gland tumors: A rare cause of galactorrhea is a tumor of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain that controls the production of several hormones, including prolactin. Pituitary gland tumors are benign (non-cancerous), but they can sometimes lead to galactorrhea.

If you are not breastfeeding and your breasts are still producing milk, see your doctor to determine the cause. Your doctor may recommend tests, such as a blood test or an MRI scan, to evaluate your hormone levels or check for any underlying medical conditions.