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Breast Cancer

Nipple discharge

12/10/1999

Question:

why would i leak green fluid out of both breast?

Answer:

A hormone in the brain called prolactin stimulates the breast to produce milk in the lactating woman. Other types of stimulation to the nipple, such as squeezing the nipple alot can also tell the brain to produce prolactin causing some fluid in the ducts. The ducts in the breast carry the milk or fluid to the nipple. When a woman is not lactating, there still can be a small amount fluid in the ducts which is normal. This fluid can be green, gray, white or brown. The amounts of discharge can vary with different women. Those who take birth control medication, or an antihypertensive drug such as Aldomet, or some tranquilizers such as Thorazine are more prone to nipple discharge. This happens because these drugs increase prolactin levels. Often, there is more discharge at puberty and menopause than in the in-between years.

Small amounts of green discharge from both nipples may be nothing to worry about. But I do not want you to confuse this discharge with possible problems such as infection or abcess. You should see your doctor just to make sure.

When nipple discharge is persistent, only on one side, clear and sticky like egg white, or bloody, a woman should go the doctor as soon as possible.

Thank you for this very important question.

For more information:

Go to the Breast Cancer health topic, where you can:

Response by:

University of Cincinnati Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD
Formerly:
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati
Janet Trigg, RN, MSN, EdD