Could emotions cause milky nipple discharge?

Question

Hi doctor,

I got married three years back, and I gave birth to a baby boy two years back. However, due to complications, I lost my child in just seven days. I never had a breastfeeding session with him as he was in the NICU. But I sent milk to him through a tin pot for five days.

However, after this unfortunate incident, the doctor prescribed me a few medicines to stop my milk. Soon, my body stopped producing the milk. Meanwhile, I was going through some emotional turmoil as I was separated from my husband and my mother's cancer treatment.

For two years, I have been living separately from my husband. Four days ago, when I was trying to convince my husband regarding the relationship, he messaged me that he does not want me back in his life. Till now, I realized that something like milk is coming from my breast.

Is this breast cancer? Or is this because of emotions about my baby? I am unable to discuss my emotions with my husband as he is not willing to listen.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, I must tell you to relax.

A nipple discharge is not an uncommon phenomenon in non-pregnant women. A bloody discharge is serious. But milk-like or colorless discharge is often caused by minor problems. Are you on any medicine, like an antiemetic or antidepressant? Taking these medicines could cause a discharge that will stop after stopping the drug.

Next, if you do not have those, yes, emotional turmoil and remote memories could cause nipple discharge. You are right in this aspect. Though it could be physiological entirely, you need a few blood tests if it persists formore than two weeks. You need to check thyroid hormones and prolactin to assess their status.

Meanwhile, wear tight undergarments and stop squeezing, as squeezing will increase milk production.

I hope this helps you.