Why do I have discharge oozing from my breast?

Lately, I have been having a little bit of discharge from my right breast. It ranges from clear to milky white liquid. I am worried because I don't know if something is seriously wrong, or if it's normal. I have been told that milk is only produced when you're pregnant. Could this be a symptom of me being pregnant?


It's natural to feel anxious when you notice something new in your breast. Some women notice a spontaneous nipple discharge that stains the inside of a bra or leaves a crusting on the tip of the nipples. For others, the discharge occurs only when the nipple area is squeezed, and yes, a milky discharge can be seen in pregnancy. While it's normal to be able to express a few drops of milk for up to a year after giving birth or weaning a child, a nipple discharge in a woman who is not nursing needs to be evaluated. Most discharges are linked to benign changes in the breast, but it can also be a sign of breast cancer.

Galactorrhea refers to the milky nipple discharge that is not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding. It can involve both breasts or just one, it's usually white or clear, but may be yellow or even green. Galactorrhea can result from increased prolactin hormone secretion by the pituitary gland, or it may be associated with a sluggish thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Many drugs are known to cause galactorrhea; these include estrogen (birth control pills), phenothiazines, reserpine, butyrophenones, tricyclic antidepressants, metoclopramide, verapamil, and cimetidine. The discharge associated with these medications usually comes from multiple duct openings in both breasts. Trauma to the breast, surgical procedures, anesthesia, and stress have all been linked to galactorrhea. And some women have found that suckling of the breast, such as during sex, can trigger a nipple discharge.

Fibrocystic changes in the breast are a common cause of nipple discharge among premenopausal women. The discharge is usually spontaneous from multiple ducts in one or both breasts, and is most pronounced just before menstruation. The discharge may be green or even brownish and sometimes a biopsy is necessary to fully evaluate the problem.

Discharge that comes from a single duct and is clear or blood-tinged is usually caused by a benign intraductal papilloma or duct ectasia, but is occasionally due to an intraductal cancer, which is more common after age 50. A thorough breast exam and mammogram are indicated, and a ductogram may also be necessary. Treatment of the benign conditions usually involves removal of the duct.

Evaluation of nipple discharge includes a thorough breast exam to screen for lumps and also to check which ducts are involved. Blood tests for thyroid function (TSH) and prolactin are indicated for women with galactorrhea. A mammogram is also appropriate if there is a mass, or based on age alone. And the discharge itself may be checked for signs of infection, blood, fat droplets (seen in milk), or cancer cells.

There are a number of reasons why you may have a discharge from your breasts. While nipple discharge is usually due to a benign process, it's always best to see your doctor for a thorough evaluation

Labels: Breastfeeding, Pregnancy health