A discharge from the nipples while menstruating can be an alarming sight for a woman who isn't breastfeeding. While this usually should not be cause for concern, the discharge may be caused by a more serious condition that requires medical treatment. For this reason it is better that you contact your health care provider if you notice such a discharge.
To gain a better understanding of the causes of nipple discharge, you should first learn to distinguish between normal and abnormal nipple discharge.
Traces of blood in the discharged fluid are never normal. Other signs of an abnormal discharge include a discharge from only one breast and spontaneous discharges that occur without a stimulus.
Color isn't important in distinguishing between normal and abnormal discharges. Both types can be clear, yellowish, milky or greenish in color. It is only a reddish tinge that is cause for concern.
Normal nipple discharge usually occurs in both breasts and is often caused by compressing or squeezing the nipples. The stress of observing the nipple discharge may actually cause it to worsen. It is best to avoid touching your nipples to check for a discharge as this may just exacerbate the problem.
Your doctor will perform a physical examination to determine if your nipple discharge is abnormal. You should keep in mind that even if your nipple discharge is found to be abnormal, it is probable easily treatable.
Some of the causes of a normal nipple discharge include:
- Pregnancy: This obviously doesn't apply in your case.
- Cessation of Breastfeeding: Your breasts may continue to produce milk even after you have stopped breastfeeding.
- Stimulation: Stimulating your nipples by touching or squeezing may cause fluid discharge. It may also occur due to chaffing against your bra or by physical exercise.
Some of the causes of abnormal nipple discharge include:
- Fibrocystic breast changes may cause lumps or a thickening of breast tissue to occur. They are not cancerous. They can cause pain and over time, result in the discharge of clear, milky, yellowish or greenish fluid.
- Tumors of the pituitary gland.
- Side effects of medication including hormone based and psychotropic drugs.
- Side effects of some herbs including fennel and anise.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Marijuana and certain street drugs.
- Infection in the breast or mastitis. This usually happens in the case of women who are breastfeeding but may also occur otherwise.
- Certain forms of breast cancer such as intraductal carcinoma or Paget's disease.
answered by A S