This is called idiopathic galactorrhea, and it may just mean that your breast tissue is particularly sensitive to the milk-producing hormone prolactin in your blood. If you have increased sensitivity to prolactin, even normal prolactin levels can lead to galactorrhea.
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.
When you're pregnant or lactating, small amounts of milk might leak out. The leakage can start early in pregnancy, and you could continue to see milk for up to 2 or 3 years after ending nursing. However, you may have discharge even if you're not pregnant or lactating.
Nipple discharge is the release of fluid from the nipple. It is a very common breast symptom and in most cases is part of the normal function of the breast rather than being caused by a problem. Nipple discharge alone (without a lump or other nipple change) is a very uncommon symptom of breast cancer.
Excess prolactin tricks your body into thinking it should lactate (or make milk), which is why you leak milk from your nipples. Other causes include: Taking medications including birth control pills, blood pressure medicine or antidepressants.
Montgomery glands are the main white spots that become more visible due to pregnancy and hormone changes. Montgomery glands are present on both the nipple and the surrounding areola. They contain an oily substance that keeps the nipples soft and supple.
Is it safe to 'pop' a clogged milk duct or milk blister with a needle? To put it simply: No. Popping a milk blister can lead to infection, and the risk is much higher if you do it yourself.
If your body is making too much of the hormone “prolactin” the fluid is typically milky and white. The medical name for this symptom is called “galactorrhea.” Reasons for yellow, green or blood-tinged breast discharge could mean a breast infection, a breast duct is dilated (widened), or trauma.
Causes of nipple discharge
a blocked or enlarged milk duct. a small, non-cancerous lump in the breast. a breast infection (mastitis) a side effect of a medicine – including the contraceptive pill.
Problems with the pituitary gland, such as a noncancerous tumor or another pituitary disorder, can sometimes cause people who are not pregnant to lactate. Other causes of galactorrhea include: excessive breast and nipple stimulation.
Once your body has begun producing milk, it can continue to do so indefinitely, provided that demand continues (meaning that you have a baby to feed or pump your breast milk). It is common for children to be breastfed for several years before weaning in many countries.
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.
The outer breast consists of a nipple and areola. The tip of the nipple contains several hole openings allowing for milk to flow through during lactation. The areola is the pigmented area around the nipple.
In some cases, clogs can cause a small white dot at the opening of the duct on your nipple. You might also notice that your milk looks thicker, grainy or stringy.
Nipple: Your nipple contains several tiny pores (up to about 20) that secrete milk. Nerves on your nipple respond to suckling (either by a baby, your hands or a breast pump).
Nurse or pump frequently: As painful as it feels, don't stop pumping or nursing. This can help open the nipple pore. Some people find relief by placing their baby's chin against the duct to better drain the clogged area. Apply heat: Place a warm washcloth or heating pad on the milk bleb several times a day.
Montgomery's tubercles are types of oil-producing glands people have on their areolae. They appear as small bumps. Doctors consider Montgomery's glands protective because they produce oil that keeps nipples soft and protects against infection, which is especially beneficial during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Hormone shifts
This sensitivity is known as cyclic mastalgia or fibrocystic changes. Around 50 percent of all women over the age of 30 experience this. Right before your period starts, your breasts may feel especially tender if you press on them, or they may ache.
We found that the skin of the superior quadrant was the most sensitive part of the breast, the areola was less sensitive, and the nipple was the least sensitive part. The cutaneous sensibility of all tested areas decreased significantly with increasing breast size and increasing breast ptosis.
Third nipples are a very minor birth defect, and in some cases they may be genetic. They are actually quite common, occurring in 1% to 5% of the population. Third nipples may also have an areola and underlying breast tissue. Some people may have more than one additional nipple.
Consequently, while breastfeeding, the mother will experience a sense of well-being and contentment. The consequences of these hormones are that each time a woman breastfeeds, she derives great pleasure from the experience and contact with her baby (Brewster, 1979).
When the ovaries start to produce and release (secrete) estrogen, fat in the connective tissue starts to collect. This causes the breasts to enlarge. The duct system also starts to grow. Often these breast changes happen at the same that pubic hair and armpit hair appear.
After that, they recommend breastfeeding as long as “mutually desired by mother and infant.” The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, and then continuing to breastfeed for “up to 2 years and beyond.”