What is the white stuff that comes out of my breast?

Galactorrhoea is milky nipple discharge not related to pregnancy or breast feeding. It is caused by the abnormal production of a hormone called prolactin. This can be caused by diseases of glands elsewhere in the body which control hormone secretion, such as the pituitary and thyroid glands.

Is it normal for white stuff to come out of your breast?

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.

What causes breast discharge when not pregnant?

Excessive breast stimulation, medication side effects or disorders of the pituitary gland all may contribute to galactorrhea. Often, galactorrhea results from increased levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates milk production. Sometimes, the cause of galactorrhea can't be determined.

Is it normal for breast to discharge when squeezed?

Nipple discharge refers to any fluid that seeps out of the nipple of the breast. Nipple discharge during pregnancy and breast-feeding is normal. Nipple discharge happens less commonly in women who aren't pregnant or breast-feeding.

Can milk come out of a breast if not pregnant?

Sometimes a woman's breasts make milk even though she is not pregnant or breastfeeding. This condition is called galactorrhea (say: guh-lack-tuh-ree-ah). The milk may come from one or both breasts. It may leak on its own or only when the breasts are touched.

Is it normal to have milky colored discharge from my nipples?

Does milk coming out of breast mean I'm pregnant?

Lactation is common after a woman has given birth, and it can sometimes occur during pregnancy too. However, it is possible for both women and men to produce a milky discharge from one or both nipples without being pregnant or breastfeeding. This form of lactation is called galactorrhea.

Why am I squeezing white stuff out of my nipples?

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. Yellow, green, or brown discharge is not normal and may be a symptom of an infection or other problem.

Should I be concerned about breast discharge?

Nipple discharge can be alarming to many women. But discharge that occurs only when the nipple and breast are squeezed may not be a cause for concern. The risk of cancer when nipple discharge is the only symptom is fairly low. A lump with the discharge will be of primary concern to your healthcare provider.

Why do I have milky discharge when I squeeze my nipples?

Hormonal causes

Galactorrhoea is milky nipple discharge not related to pregnancy or breast feeding. It is caused by the abnormal production of a hormone called prolactin. This can be caused by diseases of glands elsewhere in the body which control hormone secretion, such as the pituitary and thyroid glands.

Is galactorrhea actually milk?

Is galactorrhea actually milk? The milk that leaks from your breasts when you have galactorrhea is considered milk because it's produced by the same hormone (prolactin) that makes breastmilk in people who've just given birth.

What kind of breast discharge is normal?

A normal nipple discharge is usually a thin, cloudy, whitish, or almost clear fluid. However, the discharge may be other colors, such as gray, green, yellow, or brown. A bloody discharge is abnormal. Abnormal discharges vary in appearance depending on the cause.

Does stress cause breast discharge?

Certain manipulations of the breasts, such as fondling, sucking, or massaging can stimulate milk ducts to secrete fluid. Stress also has been shown to cause nipple discharge.

What does infected breast discharge look like?

Thick or sticky discharge that is green, greenish brown or reddish brown may be caused by a non-cancerous condition called mammary duct ectasia. Yellow and foul-smelling pus may be caused by a breast infection. Milky white discharge from both breasts may be caused by some medicines or endocrine gland problems.

What Colour is normal breast discharge?

A normal nipple discharge is usually a thin, cloudy, whitish, or almost clear fluid. However, the discharge may be other colors, such as gray, green, yellow, or brown. A bloody discharge is abnormal.

Is breast discharge an infection?

Nipple discharge that contains pus may indicate an infection in your breast. This is also known as mastitis. Mastitis is usually seen in women who are breastfeeding. But it can develop in women who are not lactating.

How long does galactorrhea last?

PHYSIOLOGIC CONDITIONS. Galactorrhea may be considered physiologic. Pregnant women may lactate as early as the second trimester and may continue to produce milk for up to two years after cessation of breast-feeding.

Can I pump before baby is born?

If you have a normal, healthy pregnancy, then pumping before birth is often completely safe. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it may be better to play it safe. As you begin to experience physical changes during your pregnancy, you may notice that your breasts leak small amounts of colostrum.

How do I make my breasts feel good?

Breast massage therapy can ease the breasts' sensitivity and provide better blood circulation to the breast. Gentle massage can also increase milk supply. Massage can help warm up and loosen the tissues around the breasts' milk ducts and help the milk flow.

Is galactorrhea painful?

Galactorrhea refers to a condition where your nipples secrete a milky fluid that resembles breast milk, except you aren't pregnant or nursing. While this condition may be relatively painless and often benign, there could be serious underlying causes.

What does early pregnancy milk look like?

Colostrum looks like a clear, creamy white, yellow, or even orange liquid (orange is due to beta carotene content). It's often thick, though it can be thin, and it's sometimes a little sticky. More mature breast milk is more creamy looking and white or bluish-white in color.

What color is breast milk in early pregnancy?

The first color of breast milk that comes out during pregnancy is usually just a clear liquid, while the color of clear breast milk during pregnancy is normal.

What is galactorrhea a symptom of?

The most common cause of galactorrhea is overproduction of the hormone prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) due to a tumor in the pituitary gland. Hyperprolactinemia can cause galactorrhea, or unexpected milk production, and infertility in both men and women.

How do you get rid of galactorrhea?

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.