Nipple discharge

[Els1983]

Hello
I'm really scared and could do with some positive stories. I'm 40 and have 2 DC, stopped breastfeeding in 2021.
For the past 2 weeks, my left nipple area felt mildly uncomfortable, couldn't feel any lumps. Today, I thought I'd give my nipple a series see if it hurt and a yellow/beige discharge came out, just from one location and only happens upon squeezing. I'm panicking. I've made a GP appointment but it's not until Friday. Anyone experienced anything similar and was it OK in the end? I'm scared

Not series, squeeze!

Bump!

I think you're body can continue producing milk years after stopping Breastfeeding, but definitely worth having it checked by the dr. Hopefully nothing to worry about xx

It's odd that I never noticed this before. Is this common?

Anyone?

I could produce a bit of discharge for about a year after I stopped breastfeeding. (If I squeezed out of curiosity).

You won’t have noticed before because you haven’t squeezed to find out!

If you’re worried you should absolutely see your Dr, just wanted to reassure you so you’re not panicking while you wait for an appointment.

similar to previous replies, I could produce creamy milk ( not really milk but creamy ) for many years, probably about 5.

Not a lot, but definitely an amount.

good advice to get it checked but I’d put money on it that it’s totally normal for you

Yes this is highly likely to be normal. Breast discharge is worrying if it leaks spontaneously (not from squeezing) or has blood in it. You may as well go to the GP and have it checked but please be reassured it is very likely to be hormonal and nothing worrying.

You absolutely must get this checked as it can be symptomatic of a pituitary disorder. The GP will Probably order blood tests to check your hormone levels and a brain scan to check your pituitary gland.

Gosh that's scary, I wasn't expecting that it could be a brain issue 😳

I've been reading other posts and it seems quite a few people have reported this. Could it be perimenopause related?

Bump again

Hello, it’s hard but try not to worrry. But definitely go to GP to get this and any other changes checked out.

I had a bloody discharge from one nipple a few years ago and the consultant told me that as we age our breasts still produce a discharge if squeezed. I’m sure she explained it’s a common peri menopausal symptom that’s rarely discussed (well that’s what my terrified brain hears). What I do remember her telling me was that I was to stop squeezing to check if it still bleeds as that encourages more discharge. (My nipple still bleeds if I check it).

Great that you've got an appointment with your GP, op. I've never breastfed but have two DC and a few years ago had blood coming from my nipple. GP prescribed me cream and it went - no idea what it was but she wasn't overly concerned

Thank you Treewitch and tinkertots. I'm a natural worrier so I can't stop thinking about the worse case scenario, but your stories really help me. Friday seems so far away!
I wish more came up on Google about a discharge being a symptom of getting older, rather than BC!

Yes, exactly the same thing happened to me at the start of this year. Around 2 years post breastfeeding. My GP wasn't hugely concerned, but said it was best to be cautious and referred me to the breast clinic.

I was seen within a week. At the clinic they did a breast exam, took a swab of the discharge, a blood test and did an ultrasound (because of my age this is apparently better than a mammogram).

Ultrasound showed everything was all clear. The blood and discharge tests came back around 1-2 weeks later and showed that it was hormone related and likely due to perimenopause.

Fingers crossed it all does well for you

I had the same symptoms was referred to the breast unit. Turned out to be duct ectasia, a benign condition associated with ageing. Try not to worry.

Sorry @Els1983 - I didn’t mean to alarm you. If it is caused by your pituitary gland, even if it is a tumour, most of them are benign. You would be most likely managed with meds.

I think I produced colostrumy type discharge for a good 5 years or so after stopping breastfeeding. I even had the let down reflex.
Best to see your gp anyway but in the meantime don't worry too much.