Leaking Nipples

The thought of leaking nipples or a discharge from the breasts may seem a bit unnerving to some women. Whether leaking nipples are something to be concerned about depends on when the discharge from the nipple is occurring. Of course it is perfectly normal for women who are breast-feeding to have leaking nipples. But even for women who are not breast feeding leaking nipples can be routine and usually 100% benign – again it all depends on when the discharge is occurring and the nature of what is leaking from the nipple.

It is completely normal for nipples to leak when they are pinched or squeezed or stimulated in any manner. Squeezing or otherwise stimulating the nipple sends a signal to the brain to the pituitary gland to release prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production. The release of prolactin in turn causes the nipple to “leak”. This ordinary discharge is not necessarily white, in can also be gray or greenish. Certain women are more prone to leaking nipples than others. Certain medications such as birth control pills and some high blood pressure medications increase the level of prolactin, and can increase the likelihood of breast discharge or leaking nipples. There are certain periods of time when any woman is more likely to experience leaking nipples. Both at the onset of puberty and the onset of menopause there can be a greater tendency for nipples to leak. Also in the weeks leading up to your menstrual period, nipples may leak.

So when Should I be Concerned?

Studies have shown that as many as 85% of women can cause some amount of discharge from their nipples by squeezing and stimulation. Since most nipple discharge is normal, the time to be concerned is if the discharge happens spontaneously. In other words if your nipples just start to leak with no apparent squeezing or stimulation. Also if the occurrence is very frequent. If one nipple seems to be leaking and not the other, this can indicate a problem. If the discharge is sticky like the white of an egg, or there is any indication of blood in the fluid – these are reasons to see your doctor. Any of these types of nipple discharge could be indicative of some kind of underlying problem.

Any unusual nipple leaking should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider for proper evaluation. Again most of the time leaking nipples is normal and benign, and should stop on its own.

What Problems Could Leaking Nipples Indicate?

While it is more than likely that your leaking nipples are not any cause for alarm, there are times when a nipple discharge can be indicative of something serious. If you are not nursing and the fluid comes out like milk and is free flowing, you should have your prolactin levels checked. Over production of prolactin in non-lactating women can be indicative a pituitary problem. Your doctor may want to check your thyroid, as certain thyroid imbalances can cause unusual nipple discharges.

Nipples can get infected. Leaking nipples could on some occasions indicate an infection of the nipple. In fact though exceedingly rare even men can have a nipple infection that could lead to a discharge. Any leaking from the nipples in men is not normal and should be looked at by medical professionals immediately. Again in woman though almost all cases of leaking nipples are harmless.

Breast Cancer

Every women is concerned about breast cancer – and rightly so. Women are instructed to be very conscious of their breasts and to be aware of any changes. The first fear that may come to mind from leaking nipples is the specter of breast cancer. In rare instances leaking nipples are indicative of breast cancer. But in less than 2% of the time are leaking nipples a sign of breast cancer. And there will usually be some other sign accompanying the discharge such as a lump.

The main thing to keep in mind is that while most of the time leaking nipples is nothing to be concerned about, women need to be aware of what their bodies, especially their breasts may be trying to tell them. Any changes in your breasts or nipples that make you uncomfortable should be brought to your doctor’s attention. Better safe than sorry.