Breast Health: Why Do I Have Green and Yellow Nipple Discharge?
Q.
What does it mean if you have green or yellow nipple discharge? I am 23 and single with no children.
A.
Green or yellow nipple discharge is common. Benign cysts, such as those associated with fibrocystic changes (your basic lumpy, bumpy breasts) often contain a yellow or green or greenish-black fluid. This discharge is usually nothing to worry about if it occurs when your breasts are poked, prodded, squeezed, or otherwise stimulated. If this discharge occurs spontaneously -- that is, without your breasts being stimulated in any way -- then it may be due to medications, recent childbearing, or overproduction of the hormone prolactin in your brain. Spontaneous nipple discharge deserves medical evaluation, and blood tests are often ordered in this situation.
Milky discharge is also common and usually normal; this comes from ducts and glands within the breast.Bloody or watery nipple discharge, on the other hand, is not normal and must be evaluated.
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