Noticing a sudden milky discharge from your nipples can be confusing, especially if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding. This unexpected symptom can catch many off guard and may raise alarms about underlying health issues.
While it might seem alarming at first, there are several medical explanations that could account for this type of discharge. It’s more common than many realise and can happen to both women and, in rare cases, even men.
What are the most common causes of milky nipple discharge in individuals who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding?
Dr Gaana Sreenivas, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bone and Birth Clinic and Rainbow Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, tells indianexpress.com, “Milky nipple discharge in non-lactating individuals can sometimes be a response to hormonal fluctuations that are not necessarily related to pregnancy. In some cases, it may be linked to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, ovarian cysts, or even mild hormonal shifts that occur with stress or weight changes.”
Dr Jagadish Hiremath, public health intellectual, highlights that one of the most common causes is a condition called galactorrhea, which refers to the inappropriate production of breast milk. “This can occur due to an imbalance in hormones, particularly elevated levels of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.”
Additionally, mechanical stimulation, such as frequent touching or friction from tight clothing, may also contribute to discharge in sensitive individuals, says Dr Sreenivas, adding, “This kind of discharge can sometimes occur sporadically and resolve on its own. However, when it continues over a period of time or becomes more frequent, it should not be overlooked, especially if it occurs without any physical stimulation.”
Diagnosis
Dr Sreenivas says, “We usually begin the diagnostic process by taking a thorough medical and menstrual history, followed by a focused breast examination. Hormonal assays are done to evaluate prolactin and other reproductive hormones, and based on the findings, imaging studies may be advised. A pituitary scan is typically not the first step, but becomes necessary when prolactin levels are considerably high and other causes have been excluded.”
To diagnose this, Dr Hiremath also states that doctors typically begin with a simple blood test to measure prolactin levels. If levels are significantly elevated, imaging studies such as an MRI of the brain “may be recommended to check for abnormalities in the pituitary gland.” Additional tests might include checking thyroid function and evaluating for any medication-related causes. Diagnosis is guided by symptoms, medical history, and a combination of laboratory and imaging results.
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When should someone consider this discharge a medical concern that needs immediate attention?
While occasional discharge might not always be alarming, Dr Sreenivas stresses, it becomes a medical concern “when it happens without any physical stimulus, especially if the discharge is thick, continuous, or associated with other symptoms like missed periods, vision disturbances, or new-onset headaches. Discharge accompanied by skin changes, nipple inversion, or a palpable lump in the breast also requires urgent evaluation.”
Concurring Dr Hiremath adds, “A healthcare provider will typically recommend a combination of tests depending on the presentation, as stated earlier. Early evaluation helps rule out more serious conditions and provides reassurance when the cause is benign.”
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
