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what is the cause of nipple discharge

by Kelvin Cormier Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Nipple discharge is a typical part of breast function during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may also be associated with menstrual hormone changes and fibrocystic changes. The milky discharge after breast-feeding usually affects both breasts and can continue for up to two or three years after stopping nursing.

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Is it normal to have nipple discharge when not pregnant?

Galactorrhea (guh-lack-toe-REE-uh) is a milky nipple discharge unrelated to the normal milk production of breast-feeding. Galactorrhea itself isn't a disease, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. It usually occurs in women, even those who have never had children or after menopause.

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.

What kind of nipple discharge is normal?

One or both breasts may produce a nipple discharge, either spontaneously or when you squeeze your nipples or breasts. Nipple discharge may look milky, clear, yellow, green, brown or bloody. Discharge that isn't milk comes out of your nipple through the same ducts that carry milk.

Is nipple discharge something to worry about?

Nipple discharge is usually nothing to worry about. Still, because it can be a sign of breast cancer, it's worth having a doctor check it out. It's especially important to see a doctor if: you have a lump in your breast.

How do you stop nipple discharge?

Try a medication, such as bromocriptine (Cycloset, Parlodel) or cabergoline, to lower your prolactin level and minimize or stop milky nipple discharge. Side effects of these medications commonly include nausea, dizziness and headaches.

What are the 3 classifications of nipple discharge?

There are three types of nipple discharge: lactation, physiologic and pathologic (suspicious) discharge.

Does stress cause nipple discharge?

Stress also has been shown to cause nipple discharge. All postmenopausal nipple discharge, however, is significant and requires further evaluation. Nipple discharge in men is always abnormal and also must prompt an evaluation.

When I press my nipple water comes out?

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.

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.

What does normal discharge look like?

Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white. It shouldn't smell bad, and its thickness may change throughout your menstrual cycle. Other characteristics of vaginal discharge include: Texture: It's normal to have vaginal discharge that ranges from watery and sticky to gooey, thick and pasty.

What medications cause nipple discharge?

drugs causing nipple dischargeantihypertensive agents.gastrointestinal agents.hormones.opiates.psychotropic agents.

Why does clear liquid come out of my nipple when I squeeze it?

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.

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.

When I squeeze my breast liquid comes out?

Less common, fluid from your breasts could be from low thyroid hormone levels, a hormone imbalance, or very rarely from a small benign (not cancerous) pituitary tumor. If you have milky discharge from your breasts and you continue to squeeze your nipple, the discharge will often continue for months.

What medications cause nipple discharge?

drugs causing nipple dischargeantihypertensive agents.gastrointestinal agents.hormones.opiates.psychotropic agents.

1.Nipple discharge Causes - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nipple-discharge/basics/causes/sym-20050946

5 hours ago Often, nipple discharge stems from a benign condition. However, breast cancer is a possibility, especially if: You have a lump in your breast; Only one breast is affected; The discharge …

2.Nipple Discharge: Color, Causes, and Next Steps - Healthline

Url:https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/nipple-discharge

25 hours ago Breast cancer can cause nipple discharge, especially ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early ...

3.Nipple Discharge: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Url:https://www.verywellhealth.com/benign-nipple-discharge-430412

31 hours ago Hormonal variation: Normal hormonal changes (e.g., menstruation) may cause nipple discharge. So ...

4.Nipple Discharge - Cleveland Clinic

Url:https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21014-nipple-discharge

35 hours ago Doctors consider nipple discharge abnormal when it occurs spontaneously (not caused by breast stimulation), is bloody, or only occurs in one breast. Conditions that may cause abnormal …

5.Causes of Nipple Discharge - Women's Health Network

Url:https://www.womenshealthnetwork.com/breast-health/causes-of-breast-discharge/

14 hours ago Trauma to the breast. May cause clear, yellowish, or bloody nipple discharge (not very common). Kidney failure/renal disease. So as you can see, there is a multiplicity of causes of breast …

6.Breast and Nipple Discharge: What It Could Mean - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/breast-nipple-discharge

31 hours ago Some causes of normal nipple discharge include: Pregnancy. In the early stages of pregnancy , some women notice clear breast discharge coming from their nipples.

7.Nipple Problems and Discharge | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Url:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/nipple-problems-and-discharge

19 hours ago This causes infection, chronic inflammation, or a pus-filled infection called an abscess. If there is an infection (called periductal mastitis), it may cause scar tissue to form. This draws the nipple …

8.Different Types of Nipple Discharge - Health

Url:https://www.health.com/mind-body/what-is-nipple-discharge

9 hours ago Usually, said Dr. Fisher, pathologic nipple discharge is clear or bloody; intraductal papillomas, cauliflower-like masses in the breast ducts, are a common cause.

9.Nipple Discharge: Causes & Warning Signs | dtrhealth

Url:https://doctorhealthcare.org/nipple-discharge/.html

24 hours ago It may be caused by breastfeeding, menopause, or other factors. Some women experience nipple discharge as a result of their menstrual cycle. After childbirth, some women notice a milky fluid …

10.Galactorrhea - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

Url:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/galactorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20350431

29 hours ago High maternal estrogen levels cross the placenta into the baby's blood. This can cause enlargement of the baby's breast tissue, which may be associated with a milky nipple …

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