As a woman who is into self-care, especially breast care, you may have unconsciously asked yourself the difference between normal vs abnormal breast discharge. Asking yourself this question does not mean that you are having abnormal breast discharge. It may simply be that you have read on papers or seen one. You may have also heard about abnormal discharge, and you are wondering the difference between the two.
Well, even if it has not occurred to you to ask yourself the difference, it has become necessary for us to help women know the difference—normal vs. abnormal breast discharge.
This post will help to reassure breastfeeding mothers (including first-timers) that breast milk discharge is not abnormal. It will also put women in check to know when to be alert, as early detection of breast cancer can prolong the years.
In this post, we will tell you what normal breast discharge means and also throw light on the abnormal one. The goal of this post is to let you know when you need to see a doctor. It is not a substitute for professional advice and care.
What is normal breast discharge in a woman?
Normal breast/nipple discharge is said to happen when milk is released from both breasts during stimulation like squeezing; it is not accompanied by pain, redness, or lumps. Usually, normal nipple discharge comes as clear, milky, or yellowish fluid.
Normal nipple discharge does not raise much concern because even you will know that you should release milk. It is often controlled by a hormone called prolactin. When it becomes high due to a background illness, it can cause the breast to secrete milk more than expected, which does not mean that it is abnormal.
What triggers breast discharge in women?
Women usually secrete breast milk in some conditions, as I already highlighted below:
- Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Milk (lactation) is common during and after pregnancy. This one follows a natural course as the level of prolactin is usually high around this period, and any attempt to squeeze your breath can result in the discharge of milk from your breast.
- Hormonal Changes: hormonal fluctuations during menstruation or menopause. These periods—menstruation and menopause—can be challenging to ladies as they witness different changes, including possible discharge of milk from their breasts.
- Stimulation: Nipple stimulation or friction from clothing may cause discharge. However, this will not easily result in the release of breast milk. There has to be a good level of stimulation before someone can start releasing breast milk due to such stimuli.
- Medications: Certain drugs, like birth control pills or antidepressants, can lead to discharge. When you are taking the drugs above, you may be on the lookout for them. However, if you start noticing breast milk discharge after commencing a particular medication, you can stop it and watch yourself for some time.
- Prolactin hormone increase (hyperprolactinemia): mild secretion caused by stress or physical stimulation. One potent change women usually encounter does come from stress. This is not exempt from the cause of normal breast or nipple discharge. However, when you stop the stress, it will stop further discharge from your breast.
Should I worry about frequent breast discharge while nursing a baby?
Whether you should be worried or stay calm is completely yours to do. This is because you can carefully ensure that none of the things said above is causing you to secrete breast milk frequently. Any unusual breast discharge should be evaluated by a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Abnormal breast discharge
80% of women encounter abnormal breast discharge once in their lifetime. Both women with benign and malignant breast changes also encounter nipple discharge. It is the 3rd leading breast complaint after breast pain and lump.
Breast or nipple discharge is abnormal when it happens to males. This is because the breast is rudimentary.
Abnormal nipple discharge is often bloody, brown, green, or pus-like. Each suggests possible causes. This discharge can occur even without the breast being squeezed and can come only from one breast or possibly with other signs and symptoms like lumps, swelling, pain, or skin changes.
Conditions that can cause abnormal nipple discharge
Below are some of the conditions that can predispose you to abnormal nipple discharge.
- Infection or Mastitis: This may cause pus-like discharge, especially in breastfeeding women. In this case, you may notice a change in your body temperature; you feel hotter than before. You should see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Breast Cancer: Rare, but some cancers (e.g., ductal carcinoma) can lead to spontaneous, bloody discharge. In this case, other associated symptoms can give you an idea of what is happening. Here, you can notice weight loss, skin changes over the affected breast, or possibly a mass on the breast.
- Intraductal Papilloma: A noncancerous growth in the milk ducts that can cause bloody discharge.
- Duct Ectasia: blockage or widening of milk ducts leading to thick, sticky discharge.
- Hormonal Disorders: abnormal prolactin levels or pituitary gland issues.
Things that should make you worried and want to see a doctor
- When you notice breast changes on the particular breast that is discharging. The changes can be on the skin or its consistency.
- Persistent or spontaneous discharge, especially if bloody or pus-like.
- Unilateral discharge (from one breast).
- Accompanied by lumps, nipple retraction, or skin dimpling.
- Pain or signs of infection like redness or swelling.
What to do when I notice abnormal breast discharge
Whenever you feel that something is likely wrong, please follow up by considering any of the investigations below. You may need to visit someone with experience to avoid receiving false information from those who only want to take your money and go. You will need to understand that raising the alarm early will help you to know the problem and its diagnosis early, even if it is cancer.
- Mammograms are more for middle-aged to elderly women. Women who are over 45 years old can always do it to check their breasts.
- Ultrasounds are for younger women, especially those who are younger than 45 years. It can suspect what is likely wrong and raise suspicion for appropriate action to be taken.
- Ductograms are done to assess the ducts. It gives information on what could be causing the problem.
- Biopsies to determine the cause. This one is more definite when there are associated breast lumps. The lump can be excised and taken to a histology laboratory for biopsy by a histopathologist.
Conclusion
In summary, breast discharge can be normal or abnormal depending on what is causing it. If you are worried about what could be causing it, the best thing to do is to see your doctor for advice.
If you were currently receiving medication when it started, you can consider stopping the drug to monitor yourself. Nipple discharge or breast discharge is not a symptom you should ignore; attend to it as early as you can.