NIPPLE DISCHARGE
CAUSES
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Medications, including birth control pills and antidepressants
- Non-cancerous cyst
- Nipple stimulation or friction from clothing
- Sexual arousal
- Injury to the breast
- Stress
TYPES
- Papilloma (noncancerous breast tumor)
- Breast infection or abscess
- Mammary duct ectasia
- Severe underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
- Pituitary gland tumor
- Fibrocystic breast (normal lumpiness in the breast)
- Cancerous breast tumor (in rare cases)
- Paget’s disease of the breast
SYMPTOMS
Papilloma
- Papillomas often cause clear or bloody nipple discharge, which may be spontaneous or occur upon squeezing the nipple.
- The discharge may be unilateral (from one breast) and may be accompanied by a lump.
Breast infection
- In some cases, a breast infection or abscess may cause nipple discharge, which can be pus-like or bloody.
Mammary duct ectasia
- This can be green or black and may be thick or sticky.
Hypothyroidism
- Nipple discharge may be milky or clear.
- Discharge may occur without stimulation of the nipples.
- This is the medical term for abnormal lactation unrelated to childbirth or nursing.
Pituitary gland tumor
- A pituitary gland tumor can potentially lead to nipple discharge due to its impact on hormone levels.
- Milky or clear discharge from the nipples.
- Changes in menstruation, including irregular periods or complete cessation.
- Abnormal lactation unrelated to childbirth or nursing.
- Prolactin elevation can interfere with ovulation and fertility in women.
Fibrocystic breast
- Non-bloody nipple discharge that tends to leak without pressure or squeezing.
Cancerous breast tumor
- The discharge is typically either bloody or clear.
- The discharge is consistently coming from one spot on the nipple.
Paget’s disease of the breast
- Straw-colored or bloody nipple discharge
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF NIPPLE DISCHARGE
In Ayurveda, nipple discharge, also known as “Stana srava,” may be addressed through holistic approaches aimed at balancing the body’s doshas (energies) and promoting overall health.
- Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs can help regulate hormonal balance and support the female reproductive system. Herbs like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa) may be beneficial in managing nipple discharge.
- Dietary Modifications: Follow a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. Incorporate warming spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon into your meals.
- Lifestyle Changes: Reduce stress through practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises. Establishing a regular sleep routine and getting adequate rest is also important for hormone balance and overall well-being.
- Oil Massage: Regular self-massage with warm sesame oil or herbal oils like Mahanarayan oil can help improve circulation, nourish tissues, and support hormonal balance.
- Ayurvedic Therapies: Panchakarma, which includes procedures like Abhyanga (oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), and Basti (enema therapy), may be recommended by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
