Common Causes
Related Conditions
Can high estrogen cause nipple discharge?
Galactorrhea is a milky discharge from both nipples, when a woman is not breastfeeding. This is often due to an increase in the hormone prolactin, which produces milk. Galactorrhea may occur if you take sedatives or marijuana. Or it can be caused by high doses of estrogen.
What is the most common cause of nipple discharge?
The most common cause of these discharges is intraductal papillomas, but fibrocystic disease, advanced duct ectasia, cancer of the breast, and vascular engorgement in near-term pregnancy can also be causative.
Is nipple discharge a symptom of perimenopause?
Mammary Duct Ectasia It's most common near menopause (perimenopause) or after menopause. The breast ducts widen and become clogged with thick discharge. The discharge can be: Green, brown, or black.
Why is there clear discharge coming out of my nipples?
Fluid leaking from one or both nipples when you are not breastfeeding is called nipple discharge. Clear, cloudy, or white discharge that appears only when you press on your nipple is usually normal. The more the nipple is pressed or stimulated, the more fluid appears.
Can low thyroid cause nipple discharge?
Nipple discharge from both breasts can also occur in women with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), as a side effect of certain medications, or because of a growth in the pituitary (a part of the brain), causing an increase in a hormone called prolactin.
What endocrine disorder causes nipple discharge?
Physiological nipple discharge Endocrine causes include hyperprolactinemia and primary hypothyroidism.
Can menopause cause nipple discharge?
Mammary duct ectasia: This is the term we use to refer to blocked milk ducts. It usually happens when women are nearing menopause or those who've already gone through their menopausal period. It causes the ducts to widen and get clogged with brown, black or green nipple discharge.
Does stress cause nipple discharge?
Certain manipulations of the breasts, such as fondling, sucking, or massaging can stimulate milk ducts to secrete fluid. Stress also has been shown to cause nipple discharge.
When should I see a doctor about nipple discharge?
If a nipple discharge continues for more than one menstrual cycle or if any of the warning signs are present, women (or men) should see a doctor. Delay of a week or so is not harmful unless there are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, and/or a discharge of pus.
Is it normal to be able to squeeze fluid out of nipples?
Nipple discharge is very common. Fluid can be obtained from the nipples of approximately 50–70% of normal women when special techniques, massage, or devices such as breast pumps are used. This discharge of fluid from a normal breast is referred to as 'physiological discharge'.
Can PCOS cause breast discharge?
Situations in which normal nipple discharge can occur include: in response to nipple or breast stimulation, such as during sex. during a warm shower. in people with thyroid conditions and diseases that affect their hormones, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Is discharge from breast normal?
Nipple discharge is often normal. Lots of women have nipple discharge from time to time. It may just be normal for you. It's also not unusual for babies (boys and girls) to have milky nipple discharge soon after they're born.
Is nipple discharge normal when not pregnant?
Nipple discharge during pregnancy and breast-feeding is normal. Nipple discharge happens less commonly in women who aren't pregnant or breast-feeding. It may not be cause for concern, but it's wise to have it evaluated by a doctor to be sure.
Is nipple discharge normal if not pregnant?
Nipple discharge is common during reproductive years, even if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding. Discharge is usually not serious. Still, it can be a sign of breast cancer, so it's worth talking about with a doctor.
Is nipple discharge common?
Nipple discharge is the release of fluid from the nipple. It is a very common breast symptom and in most cases is part of the normal function of the breast rather than being caused by a problem. Nipple discharge alone (without a lump or other nipple change) is a very uncommon symptom of breast cancer.
Is it normal to squeeze your breast and clear liquid comes out?
Nipples may secrete fluid when they are stimulated or squeezed. Normal nipple discharge may also occur when your nipples are repeatedly chafed by your bra or during vigorous physical exercise, such as jogging.